1
tree
planted in memory of Deacon James Bridgeforth
Obituary for Deacon James Bridgeforth
James Edward Bridgeforth entered into eternal rest on June 4, 2022, at home with his family. A native of Blackstone, VA, he was the fourth child born to James Edward Allen and Harriett Bridgefortt on July 27, 1946. He attended elementary school in the Nottoway County School System prior to entering Luther H. Foster High School, 1960-1965. He graduated and moved to the “big city of Chicago” to attend the Chicago Technical Institute for further study.
Jimmey dated his high school sweetheart, Barbara D. Bridgeforth and they stayed in contact while he went to Chicago Tech and she attended business college in Baltimore, MD. They were married on October 28, 1967, and moved to Chicago. Later he moved to the east coast, Washington, DC. Jimmey went to work for Ceco Steel Drafting Company; later he transferred to the Sheriff’s Office in Northern Virginia. Jimmey later got into the Federal Justice System before relocating his family to Crewe, VA in 1975, and started to work at the Federal Correctional Institute (FCI), Petersburg, VA. While employed with the FCI, he served in the capacity of Correctional Officer, then was later promoted to Counselor where he served many inmates in the system. He retired from the FCI, Petersburg, VA on September 30, 1997, after serving twenty-two years. He combined the years served at Lorton Correctional Institute which equated to twenty-five years of Federal Service with the Department of Justice. He was honored with many celebrations during this time, even given by his family on October 18, 1997.
Deacon James moved back to his hometown and was welcomed back to his home church by many relatives and friends. He served faithfully in the church while working various shifts but he would always make a way to be at Spring Hill Baptist Church and be with his family. In June 1989, he was ordained as a Deacon under the pastoral leadership of Reverend James H. Ellis and has served in the Deacon Ministry faithfully since that time. He served as Treasurer of Spring Hill Baptist Church for may years. After 2007, he served in the Deacon Ministry as Chairman for two consecutive terms assisting the Pastor. Other ministries he was active in and served were: Spring Hill Men’s Choir, Spring Hill Baptist Church Senior Choir, and was a representative of Unified Shiloh Baptist Association for many years! He actively participated in attending programs with the Pastor whenever he was invited to preach. He served on the Building Committee, was very active in teaching Sunday School and attending Bible Study until he was not able to do so.
Deacon James was preceded in death by his son, James Anthony, 2003. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Barbara of fifty-four years; daughter, Monica (Andrew); sisters, Gloria Marie (Bernard) and Harriett (Simon); grandchildren, Alex T. Lea, Kyndal Jordan Merrick, Brooklyn Sierra Merrick and one great grandchild, Arian Jovan Lea. His love for his family extends to his nephews, cousins and a host of other friends, former co-workers at FCI, Petersburg and Crossroads Community Services, Farmville.
Viewing Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 1 to 7PM. Funeral Service Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 2:00PM at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Blackstone. Interment church cemetery.
Read More
Jimmey dated his high school sweetheart, Barbara D. Bridgeforth and they stayed in contact while he went to Chicago Tech and she attended business college in Baltimore, MD. They were married on October 28, 1967, and moved to Chicago. Later he moved to the east coast, Washington, DC. Jimmey went to work for Ceco Steel Drafting Company; later he transferred to the Sheriff’s Office in Northern Virginia. Jimmey later got into the Federal Justice System before relocating his family to Crewe, VA in 1975, and started to work at the Federal Correctional Institute (FCI), Petersburg, VA. While employed with the FCI, he served in the capacity of Correctional Officer, then was later promoted to Counselor where he served many inmates in the system. He retired from the FCI, Petersburg, VA on September 30, 1997, after serving twenty-two years. He combined the years served at Lorton Correctional Institute which equated to twenty-five years of Federal Service with the Department of Justice. He was honored with many celebrations during this time, even given by his family on October 18, 1997.
Deacon James moved back to his hometown and was welcomed back to his home church by many relatives and friends. He served faithfully in the church while working various shifts but he would always make a way to be at Spring Hill Baptist Church and be with his family. In June 1989, he was ordained as a Deacon under the pastoral leadership of Reverend James H. Ellis and has served in the Deacon Ministry faithfully since that time. He served as Treasurer of Spring Hill Baptist Church for may years. After 2007, he served in the Deacon Ministry as Chairman for two consecutive terms assisting the Pastor. Other ministries he was active in and served were: Spring Hill Men’s Choir, Spring Hill Baptist Church Senior Choir, and was a representative of Unified Shiloh Baptist Association for many years! He actively participated in attending programs with the Pastor whenever he was invited to preach. He served on the Building Committee, was very active in teaching Sunday School and attending Bible Study until he was not able to do so.
Deacon James was preceded in death by his son, James Anthony, 2003. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Barbara of fifty-four years; daughter, Monica (Andrew); sisters, Gloria Marie (Bernard) and Harriett (Simon); grandchildren, Alex T. Lea, Kyndal Jordan Merrick, Brooklyn Sierra Merrick and one great grandchild, Arian Jovan Lea. His love for his family extends to his nephews, cousins and a host of other friends, former co-workers at FCI, Petersburg and Crossroads Community Services, Farmville.
Viewing Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 1 to 7PM. Funeral Service Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 2:00PM at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Blackstone. Interment church cemetery.
To plant a tree in memory of Deacon James Bridgeforth, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...