Jerry V. Bridges, age 83 of Farwell, formerly of Wyoming MI, passed away Monday, May 20, 2024, at home with his family by his side. Jerry was born to Bernard and Audrey (Vance) Bridges on May 29, 1940, in Cheboygan, MI. Jerry graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing, MI and received his associates degree in Fire Science and obtained his degree as a Paramedic from Lansing Community College. Jerry married his first wife Vickie (Madden) in 1961 and they had two children, Michele and Jerry II. He married Sharon in 1985 and they shared 38 years together.
Jerry started his lifelong career in the Fire Service at the age of 22 when he became a volunteer firefighter in Holt, MI. Firefighting became his life, and he worked in various fire departments throughout his career including Holt, City of Wyoming, City of Kentwood as Fire Marshall, South Haven, as Chief, Surrey Township, and Lincoln Township, as Lieutenant. Jerry was a firefighter and first responder for 62 years. He also served as a President on the Michigan State Firemens Association Board. He was a Fire Academy instructor and also taught taught CPR, Medical, Rescue and Firefighting skills to Public Safety Responders. He will be remembered for his extensive efforts in fire prevention education programs to the public. As Jerry stated many times, Being in the fire service is unlike anything else. Being in the fire service, is a way of Life. Being a firefighter in a community matters. He also served as a Volunteer Deputy with the Clare County Reserves. He was reelected multiple times as a Trustee to the Lincoln Township Board and served on the Clare County Planning Commission and various other committees. He always tried to make a difference, by making things better. Jerry was also the owner of Bridges Construction Company. He was a skilled carpenter due to his creativity, ingenuity and meticulous craftsmanship.
Jerry was a very faithful and loyal person to everyone he met and served. He was always willing to give a hand or advice when needed. Grandpa did the things he wanted to do, thats why he did them. He enjoyed helping other people, whether in safety, public service, construction and everything he was good at. He loved doing his things for other people. – Mike Dubois.
Jerry had a passion for the great outdoors. He could always tell you a good story from the many hunting, fishing and camping trips he had been on with family and friends. Jerry was also a member of the Boys Scouts of America where he received many awards and achieved Eagle Scout Status. His love of the natural world was further shown in sketches he made and the hobby he shared with Uncle Gene of woodcarving fish and animals.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Michele of Pentwater; step-son, Jeff (Colleen) Bell of Washington; his kitty, Callie; grandchildren, Daniel Dubois, Michael (Kirbey) Dubois, Justin (Courtney) Fitzgerald, Nicole (Scott) Klaver, Kristi (Caleb) Dullock, Jerry Bridges III; step-grandchildren, Nicholas and Emma Bell; great-grandchildren, Jameson Dubois, Harley, Jaxon and plus one, Fitzgerald, Everlee, Beckham and Smith Klaver, Kollins, Emmie and Sheppard Dullock; sisters, Dottie (Gene) Massey of Mason, Bonnie Jones of Nevada; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Jerry Bridges II.
The Memorial Service for Jerry will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Clark-Campbell Funeral Chapel, 408 W. Main St., Farwell, MI 48622, at 12 noon with Pastor Timothy Sheridan Officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to Michigan State Firemens Association, noted: In memory of Jerry Bridges so funds are directed to the firemens memorial. Contributions can be collected at Campbell Funeral Chapel or sent directly to Michigan State Firemens Association, P.O. Box 405, Swartz Creek, MI 48473.
Please visit www.clarkcampbell.com to sign Jerrys online guestbook.
A Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is performed annually on the 3 rd Saturday of September, at 1337 Robinson Lake Road, Roscommon, MI. There you will find Jerrys name written on the Memorial Wall as well as the Monument. You can follow Michigan State Firemens Association on Facebook or their website msfassoc.org.
