James Albert Bridger Jr.

James Albert Bridger, Jr., 80, passed away Monday, November 28, 2011. He was a native of Bladenboro, NC, born January 28, 1931 and was the son of the late North Carolina Senator James Albert and Elise Matthews Bridger. He had resided in Raleigh until his death.

Mr. Bridger was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Matthews Bridger, then his first wife, June Morris Bridger and second wife, Charlotte Williams Bridger.

He is survived by four sons, James Albert Bridger, III of Apex, Dr. Matthew Anthony Bridger and wife Robbin of Columbus, OH; Major Morris Randall Bridger of Richmond, VA, and Robert Cameron Bridger and wife Sandy of Raleigh; stepdaughters Charlotte Vaiden Kramer of Hilton Head, SC, Andrea Kramer Crumpton of Raleigh, Sloan Kramer Stagner of Raleigh; and a sister Mary Elise Bridger Clevenger and brother-in-law Homer of Kingston, TN, brothers Joseph Livingston Bridger of Raleigh and John Henry Bridger and sister-in-law Jamie of Long Beach, MS. He was a loving grandfather of 16 grandchildren - James Travis Bridger, Kevin Patrick Bridger, Sydnee Morris Bridger, Justin Andrew Bridger, Robert “Bo” Williamson Bridger, James Slade Crumpton, III, Charlotte Rollinson Crumpton, Elizabeth Grimes Crumpton, Charlotte Vaiden Stubbs, Caroline Jameson Stubbs, Robert “Banks” Cameron Bridger, Jr., Catherine Sloan Stubbs, Sarah Grimes Stagner, Addison Elise Bridger, John Charles Pettigrew Stagner, and Rory Livingston Bridger.

Jim Bridger attended UNC Chapel Hill and received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from NC State University. Mr. Bridger has a lasting impact with both local and national design projects. He parlayed his extensive knowledge into a consulting role for FEMA. He was involved in the community on many levels, which included the Boys Scouts of America, as a Commissioner and Scoutmaster.

Mr. Bridger’s military service culminated with the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force, having significant jet pilot interceptor experience. In his later years, his interest in genealogy was expressed in his role as a founder of the Bridger Family Association and a member of the Jamestown Society in Virginia. He was an avid reader and had a passion for frontier history. He spent many seasons in his garden and displayed gourmet talents for the entertainment of his lucky diners. He enjoyed travels to many countries with friends and family. He particularly enjoyed evenings at the beach.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 1 at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church followed by a 4 p.m. graveside service at Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends and family at Mr. Bridger’s home, 2801 Glenwood Garden, No. 203, Raleigh, on Wednesday, November 30th from 7 – 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wolfpack Club, PO Box 37100, Raleigh, NC 27627.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.