James "Walt" Bridges

James "Walt" Bridges, 84, of San Mateo, passed away from this life on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital.
Born in Live Oak, Florida, James was a longtime resident of Putnam County since 1961, previously having lived in Clay County. He served in the U.S. Army and then continued his career path working as a truck driver and also owned and operated several car wash businesses. Aside from working, James really enjoyed spending his time with family and his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lawanda C. Bridges; his parents, Joseph and Ida Bridges; daughter, Constance Elaine Bridges Sweat; son, James Walter Bridges Jr.; and son-in-law, Jerry Pharr; and siblings, Joe Bridges, Lynn Bradburry and Dorothy Bridges.
James is survived by children, John Wesley Bridges (Miki) of Bear, Delaware, Joseph Roscoe Bridges (Tammy) of Satsuma, Julian "Ben" Ferra Bridges (Michelle) of East Palatka, and Brenda Bridges of Palatka, Florida; sisters, Veronica Krantz of Palatka and Patricia Scranton of Immokalee, Florida. Including as well, 15 grandchildren; Nadine Bridges, John Robert Bridges, Starr Sykes, Selena Bridges, Teri Sweat Sadler (Rick), Regina Sweat, Brandy Barger (Ryan), Ashley Sweat, Kevin Sweat (Ivy), Chelsey Morgan (Justin), Jeremy Bridges (Amanda), Justin Bridges (Adah), Amber Pietro (James), James W. Bridges III (Emma) and Jennifer Blackwelder (Keith); and 27 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2025, at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with John Bridges officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday at 1 p.m. till time of service at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka. 
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at James' Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.