James Bridges

James H. Bridges, 84, formerly of Marion, died Feb. 16, 2009, at Via Christi-St. Francis Campus, Wichita.

Born June 27, 1924, in Carrol County, Tenn., he was the son of Milton and Estelle Bridges.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

On Oct. 12, 1945, he married Emma Jean Speeas.

He was a Church of Christ minister and later a caretaker of Marion parks. He and his wife owned and operated the Owl Car Café for many years in Marion. He also served as director of Marion County Emergency Medical Services.

Two brothers, Bob Bridges and Chester Bridges, and two sisters, Wilma Martin and Genola Russell, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Jean, of McPherson; three sons, Jim Bridges of Newark, Calif., Wayne Bridges of Shawnee, and Troy Bridges of Merriam; four daughters, Carolyn Hensley of Sweeny, Texas, Rebecca Wingfield of Marion, Cathy Hill of Newton, and Sandy Bruce of Argonia; two sisters, Geneva Wilgus and Shirley Lay, both of Pueblo, Colo., 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services were Wednesday morning at McPherson Church of Christ.

Burial was at Marion Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established with the church.