James and his wife, Wava Bridgman, will have a joint graveside service and will be buried together.
James Wilbert Bridgman (a/k/a “Wort”), age 87 of Ashland, MT, formerly of Miles City, passed away on March 14, 2021 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, MT.
Jim was born on March 2, 1934 in Prairie City, MO to James Ralph and Nancy May (Deams) Bridgman. He was the youngest of three siblings: Maxine, JoAnn and Lucille. He attended school until the 11th grade. Jim enlisted in the United States Army on April 2, 1953 at Ft. Lewis, WA. He served as an Intermediate Speed Radio Operator for the Army during the Korean War and he was stationed in Alaska and Washington. Today, there are very few radio operators remaining. He received a National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged on July 25, 1960. He married Norma Patricia Mellis on November 16, 1955 in Vancouver, BC. To this marriage they had two children: Bernice “Babs” and Dorothy. Later on, Jim married Wava Belle Hoffman in Joliet, IL on September 29, 1970, where they worked together at Caterpillar. To this marriage they had a daughter named Rachel. After the birth of Rachel, Jim and Wava moved to Montana, where Wava was originally from. In his later years, Jim often reminisced about the days he cowboyed in Sunlight Basin in the Beartooth Mountains by Cooke City, MT and also by Cody, WY for the Nielsen Ranches in the 1980’s. Jim loved to recall memories of his youth and tell “Big Whopper Stories” to wide eyed children, friends and family with his slow talking Missouri style drawl. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and carpentry. He helped build many houses in Miles City and the surrounding communities during the 1970’s. He could fix just about anything using very simple materials and tools. Jim was also an amazing pie baker (taught to him by his beloved mom, Nancy) and knew how to make the best, flakiest pie crust! Jim dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Nancy and his three sisters: Maxine Bales, JoAnn Swarnes and Lucille Dicello.
He is survived by his wife Wava residing in Arnegard, ND; his daughters: Bernice Annabell (Mike) Zosiak of Abbotsford, B.C. Canada, Dorothy Colleen Matsalla of Edmonton, A.B. Canada and Rachel Anne (James) Earl of Arnegard, ND. He was also survived by nine grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Interment with full military honors will be held at later date in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City Montana. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Wednesday May 1, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Wednesday May 1, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Patricia Houseman says
So sorry for your loss of your Dad. You are in my prayers
Mimi Nickel says
To: Wava, Rachael & ALL family & friends, Jim will be missed by all. Was sorry when you moved from MT but certainly understood. I know you are in a better place & pray for comfort & peace for all. By the way, he baked the best cherry pie ever. Love, Mimi
Attina Notch says
I will miss the cowboy stories, especially the ones with farts and beans. I will also miss the compliments after making Grandpa’s favorite pies.
Larry D Cunningham says
Beautiful obituary, Rachel. Your dad lived a full and productive life and touched the lives of others in many positive ways. May he rest in peace.
Marie Smith says
Sending prayers for the entire family. May God’s mercy grant you a happy reunion one day in Eternity.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Wava, Rachel and all of Jim’s family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Bonnie & Denny Meyer says
Rachel, we’re so sorry for your loss. You were blessed to have such a wonderful, caring father. May it be a small comfort to know we are thinking of you and your family as you grieve. God bless,
Bryan & Jill Lank says
Rachel- We are so sorry to hear about your father! Please know that we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and Prayers! Please let us know if there is anything we can do!
Love, Bryan and Jill
Greg Stoddard says
To Rachel, and all remaining loved ones to Mr. Bridgman, I offer my deep condolences for this unexpected turn. Rachel, your father sounds like a man I would have loved to know! A real man’s man, who could bake a pie. I’m grateful for his choice to serve our country those many years ago. I wish you and your family times of peace and joy that can balance the sense of loss you face. His legacy is carried on in you all. Prayers being lifted.
Respectfully, Greg and Tanja (Knight) Stoddard
Steve Brock says
Fond memories of times with Jim, fishing, visiting, eating, weed eating, loading and stacking firewood.
Joe & Pat Handley says
So sorry for your loss. Pat and I will pray.
Bonnie says
Wava and family. So sorry to hear of jim passing. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace
Roberta Rickman says
Wava, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Charlotte & Bob Grover says
Wave Rachel, and family. So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. All in our prayers.