With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. James Donald "Don" Bridges, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and physician, who died on the morning of Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the age of 74.
Born in Brevard, North Carolina, Don was the son of James Oliver and Elizabeth Allison Bridges. He is survived by his wife, Carole Schaefer Bridges; his former wife and mother of his two children, Sassene (Sassie) Bridges; daughter, Allison Bridges Robinson; granddaughter, Cheyenne Genevieve Robinson; sister, Margaret (Peggy) Bridges; and nephew, James Ryan Weld. He was predeceased by his son, William Christopher Bridges; sister, Barbara Sue Bridges; and brother, William Frank Bridges.
A 1969 graduate of Cocoa High School, Don attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he joined the 7th Company and was selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover for the Navy's Nuclear Submarine Program. He earned a master's degree in nuclear chemistry from the University of Florida and served with distinction aboard the USS Batfish and USS Daniel Boone, earning the Navy Meritorious Service Medal and Submarine Deterrent Patrol Badge. Driven by a calling to medicine, Don later graduated at the top of his class from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), receiving honors from President Ronald Reagan.
He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology and led the department at Bethesda Naval Hospital before retiring from the Navy as a Commander after 29 years of service. In civilian life, Don joined Associates in Radiation Medicine, becoming a respected leader in prostate cancer care. His compassion, expertise, and dedication impacted thousands of patients, many of whom remained in touch with him for years. Don will be remembered by all who knew him for his brilliance, integrity, and unwavering devotion to the care of others.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Johns Hopkins Hospital and the staff of the Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplant service, especially Dr. Mark Levis, for the exceptional care Don received. The family is deeply grateful for his expertise and dedication.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
A graveside service with military honors will take place at a later date at Gillespie Evergreen Cemetery in Brevard, NC. Moore-Blanchard Funerals and Cremations of Brevard will assist the family with these arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or the Naval Submarine League, 405 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bridges

3 Entries

David Morgan

July 17, 2025

The world has lost a brilliant, analytical mind and we have lost a true friend and colleague. I had the pleasure of both training under his guidance and working along side him as a staff member at Bethesda. He was always approachable, considerate and dedicated to his patients and his staff. Even after over 20 years, when he would call me out of the blue to find out how I was doing, we would pick up our conversation as if we had just seen each other the day before. It showed how much he cared about others-I hope he knew that feeling was reciprocated. There are few who possess his expansive knowledge and clarity of thought, but even fewer who exhibit his wisdom and depth of humanity. Don, you will be greatly missed!
Carole, I am not sure if you remember the kindness you showed me as I was leaving Bethesda 28 years ago, but I will never forget. You told me that if I ever found myself in need of an RTT, you would always be willing to work with me again. That sentiment has stayed with me all these years and lifted my spirits on many occasions. You and Don always supported those around you, so it was natural that you became eternal soulmates-a bond that can never be broken...

Erin Settle

June 29, 2025

I worked with Dr. Bridges for 23 years. He extended his care, compassion and dedication to not only his patients but to everyone, especially those of us who worked with him. My daughter and I never had family nearby, but he became a part of ours and someone we both knew had our best interest at heart. He´s whom I´d ask advice or guidance from. He told me recently that he was proud to watch me and Kylie grow and to overcome our growing pains. I´m going to miss our conversations, his denial of having ADHD, his need for daily jokes and the fact that despite his age he was still naive about a lot of things. I´m beyond grateful he was in my life.

John W. Powell

June 29, 2025

I think of Don, and will continue to, every single time I see a Jeep Wagoneer. GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!!

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