James Walter Bridges, Sr., age 91, of Carrollton, AL passed away January 28, 2024 at Capstone Village Retirement Center in Tuscaloosa.  Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Carrollton United Methodist Church with Rev. Bobby Boothe officiating.  Burial will be in Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in Carrollton with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Gloria Ann "Nan" Seymer Bridges; his parents; brother, Burnice Bridges; two sisters, Frances Hollingsworth Stephens and Shelby Johnston and grandson, Cleve Smith.
Survivors include his daughter, Dixie Bridges Smith (Cleveland) of Tupelo, MS; his son, James W. "Jimmy" Bridges, Jr. (Jackie) of Long Branch, TX; six grandchildren, Bea Treat (Nic), Sabrina Smith, Cash Bridges (Shayna), Chloe Elsner (Paul), Colleen Shepherd (Ben) and Carrie Crelia (Travis); six great-grandchildren, Rivers Treat, Piper Treat, Ezra Treat, Ramsey Bridges, Archer Bridges and Hallie Elsner; brother-in-law, Pep Johnston; sister-in-law, Dot Bridges and several nieces, nephews and  great-nieces and nephews.
James was born February 20, 1932 in Benevola, Alabama to the late Doc Bridges and Minnie Wilson Bridges.  He was a lifetime member of Carrollton United Methodist Church, was employed with Huyck Felt Company in Aliceville and was superintendent of the Pickens County Water Association for 40 years, retiring at age 80.  During that time he received an award for "Best Operated Plant in Alabama" in 1980 and was honored in 2003 as the Alabama Rural Water Association Operator of the Year.  Even when people did not know his name, he was known throughout the county as "The Waterman".  He loved people and people loved him.  He will be fondly remembered for his smile.
James and his wife, Nan were known throughout the county for their many large cookouts, fish frys and for always showing up with food when people were sick or if they lost a loved one, especially with chicken and dumplings and her famous desserts.
Pallbearers will be Frank Pate, Charlie Quarles, Tommy Jones, Ben Curry, Glenn Johnson and Buddy McDaniel.
Honorary Pallbearers are the Adult Sunday School Class of Carrollton UMC and the staff at Capstone Village Tradition Way Memory, Memory Care Unit.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Carrollton UMC, P.O. Box 145, Carrollton, AL 35447 or to Union Chapel Community Club, c/o Ashley Noland, 5220 Franconia Road, Aliceville, AL  35442.