James M. Bridges

Dr. James M. Bridges, 96, of Eden Gardens Aiken, SC, formerly of Arlington, VA, died April 30, 2003.

Survivors include his wife, of seventy-three years, Evelyn Greer Bridges; a son Robert Bridges, Rochester NY; daughters, Patricia B. Belew, Aiken, SC and Dianne B. Keplinger, Springfield VA; 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Bridges, a native of Ellsworth, Maine, had retired from General Dynamics as director of research for the electronics division. He had also retired from the Department of Defense where he was special assistant to the Director of Defense Research and Engineering. In addition, he had been Director of, the Office of Electronics, Office of director of Defense Research and Engineering, Chief Engineer for electronics, U.S. Navy Bureau of Ordnance, Head of Radar Research and Development Section, and commander on active military service with the U. S. Navy. In recognition of his work in the Pentagon, Dr. Bridges was awarded the Department of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Medal.

Dr. Bridges was a graduate of the University of Maine, which conferred upon him an honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering in 1963.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2003 at 4 PM at George Funeral Home, Historic Downtown Chapel, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC, with Rev. John Warren, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:30 PM until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home. The family was requested that if so desired, memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1230 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite E-30, Marietta, GA 30063.