Jan Michael Bridges

Jan Michael Bridges

Tallahassee - Jan Michael Bridges, 76, passed unexpectedly on January 29, 2021. Jan will be remembered for his friendship, sense of humor, leadership, and many years of service in the Tallahassee community.

Jan was born in Oakland, California, but spent his youth playing sports and enjoying the outdoors of Missouri and Illinois. A versatile and gifted athlete, Jan developed a love for baseball and became an ardent St. Louis Cardinals fan for life. Jan received a track and field scholarship and played football at the University of Illinois where he was a dual sport standout for his beloved "Fighting Illini." His track accomplishments earned him many NCAA and Big Ten honors. His Illinois high school 880 track record held for nearly 30 years. Jan was a member of the ROTC, completing his service as an Army First Lieutenant.

After graduate school at the University of Chicago, Jan met and married his beautiful wife, Jayne Leonardelli, in 1971. They were blessed with one daughter, Jenna Bridges Haverhals, who was dearly loved by her father. Jan began his early career in politics performing presidential advance work and later served his beloved clients as a financial advisor in Tallahassee. For many years, Jan served as a member of The Maclay School Board of Trustees and was Supervisor of the Piney-Z Community Development District. Jan loved his annual ski trips to Taos, New Mexico, and family gatherings at Amelia Island, Florida.

In addition to his wife of 50 years and his daughter, Jan is survived by his son-in law, Bryan Haverhals; grandchildren, Taylor and Beckett Haverhals; sister, Marti Bridges; step-siblings, Jim Dolan (Virginia), Jack Dolan III (Julie), and Amy Dolan Beck (Todd); and many nieces and nephews. Jan was preceded in death by his father, James Morgan Bridges, his mother, Barbara Bridges Dolan, and his stepfather, Jack Dolan Jr.

Jan will be missed, but never forgotten.

In response to the pandemic, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.