Roll Call Tribute

Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary obituary
Bakersfield, CA
661-366-5766

Jimmie H Bridges
JUNE 9, 1919 – APRIL 4, 2018

On Wednesday April 4th 2018, Dr. Jimmie H. Bridges Sr., “Doc”, passed away in his sleep. He was born in Stuckey, Georgia on June 9th, 1919 and lived to be 98 years old. In 1939, he enlisted in the Army and served during WWII ending his service as a Major. During this time, he met and married Eunice, and they were married for over 50 years. Jimmie and Eunice had four children: Juanita Ann, Jean, Jimmie Jr, and William. After the war, he pursued his education and obtained his bachelors, masters, and, finally, a PhD from Texas A&M University. His persistence and thirst for knowledge complimented his work well as he became a consultant for the Kern County Land Company and, afterwards, his own company, Bridges & Son’s.

He is remembered for his boisterous nature, happy demeanor, contagious laughter, welcoming attitude, and, lastly, being a man of his word. He was preceded in death by his wife Eunice, daughter Juanita Ann, and son William. He is survived by his two children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, life-partner Teresa, and godsons.

Burial services will be held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery on April 20, 2018 from 10:45-11:15 AM. Friends and family are invited to attend Doc’s Celebration of Life at Hodel’s Country Dining from 12:00-5:00 PM.

FAMILY
He was preceded in death by his wife Eunice, daughter Juanita Ann, and son William. He is survived by his two children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, life-partner Teresa, and godsons.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary services notice
9101 Kern Canyon Road
Bakersfield, CA 93306
661-366-5766

Jimmie H Bridges
JUNE 9, 1919 – APRIL 4, 2018

Jimmie H Bridges was born on June 9, 1919 and passed away on April 4, 2018 in Bakersfield, California.


Services

20
APRIL
Military Service
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

BAKERSFIELD NATIONAL CEMETERY
30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd
Arvin, CA 93203
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/WWII-Vet-Receives-Long-Overdue-Medals--302939271.html

World War II Veteran, 95, Gets Purple Heart, 9 Other Medals

By Daniel Sircar

Published at 4:04 PM EDT on May 7, 2015 | Updated at 5:00 PM EDT on May 7, 2015

A 95-year-old California World War II veteran is being honored with 10 medals, including a Purple Heart, that his congressman says were long overdue.

Jimmie Bridges, of Bakersfield, was presented Wednesday with a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star and seven other honors.

"These were the most medals that I've ever presented to one veteran at one time," said Rep. Kevin McCarthy.

It's unclear why Bridges never received his medals, but McCarthy's office said he presents awards to veterans who never received their citations from time to time.

"Sometimes, it's beareaucratic mishaps, sometimes people don't realize that this is something that they were supposed to be awarded," Michael Long, communications director for Rep. McCarthy, told NBC Owned Stations.

"In a lot of cases when we’re dealing with World War II or Vietnam veterans, recordkeeping was mostly paper," Long said.

It came to light that Bridges never received his medals when he went to the Kern County Veteran's Service Department a few months ago. While talking about an unrelated issue, the issue of his medals came up, according to McCarthy's office.

At the suggestion of the Veteran's Service Department, Bridges contacted Rep. McCarthy's office in March 2015. On Wednesday, May 6, the paperwork was completed, and Bridges got his citations.

Bridges said he remembers the day he enlisted like it was yesterday.

"We saw a sign: 'Uncle Sam wants you,'" Bridges told NBC affiliate KGET. "I said to my cousin, 'Let's go join the Army.'"

He joined the Army in 1940, later fought in World War II and spent another three years on active duty after the war ended.

The medals he was awarded were:

Purple Heart
Silver Star with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Pres. Unit Citation with one bronze oak leaf
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
U.N. Service Medal
European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
WWII Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal with German Clasp
Honorable Service Lapel Button, WWII