James T. Bryant

James T. Bryant, 98, passed away Tuesday November 5, 2024. He was born in Twila, KY, on May 14, 1926 to Hubert and Nan (Calloway) Bryant. Growing up in Harlan county, he was the youngest of 7 brothers and sisters; Elizabeth, Agnes, Howard, Walter, Gladys and Hubert.

Jim left Kentucky for Ohio where at the age of 17 he joined the Navy. He served on the USS Marcus Island as an aircraft mechanic and crew chief. His carrier group supported most major battles that repelled the Japanese invasion during WWII.

Returning to the Cincinnati area after the war, Jim met and married Wilma Lois Bowman. Learning that their family would soon be growing, they moved to LeSage W.VA. to be closer to Lois’s family. In the next 15 years Jim bought his first home, started a business, made lifelong friends, had 3 children, and developed his deep commitment to family and community.

In 1964, Jim moved his family to Columbus, OH to provide his son better educational opportunity. Here he became successful as a sales and management professional with Sun Electric Corporation. He also established 2 other successful business ventures, Jim Bryant Co and Bryant Properties.

A long time resident of New Albany, he was active in Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club and New Albany Businessmen’s Breakfast Club. Recently Jim was honored by the New Albany Historical Society as the last living WWII veteran in Plain Township.

Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lois, and granddaughter Erica Bryant.

Jim is survived by his sons Ted (Jane) of Aurora, CO; Paul (Judy) of New Albany, OH and daughter Cathy Wehner (Mark) of Worthington, OH; grandchildren Missy, Tania, Andrea, Andrew, Clayton, Spencer, Lauren and Rachel; great-grandchildren Rowan, Nolan, Kayla, Zach, Emily, Maxwell, Miles, Mason, Lincoln, Harper and Hayley; and great-great-granddaughter Oaklynn.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 11, from 3:00pm – 7:00 pm at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, with his funeral service taking place at Schoedinger Northeast on Tuesday, November 12, at 11:00am. Services will conclude with military honors and interment at Maplewood Cemetery in New Albany.