James Kenneth Bridges was born in Houston, Texas, on Jan. 3, 1935 and passed away May 31, 2010. In 1958, he graduated with honors from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and became ordained with the Assemblies of God. Bridges pursued graduate studies at Southern Methodist University and Wichita State University. While attending SAGU he met the love of his life, Joyce Lee Sterling, and last Oct. 16 the couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Bridges' ministry spanned 58 years, including16 years in administration with the North Texas District of the AG, and 14 years as General Treasurer of the AG, one of the denomination's four executive officers. He served on the church's General Presbytery for 30 years and on numerous committees and boards, including 31 years on SAGU's Board of Regents serving as chairman for eight years. Bridges authored, edited, and contributed to several books, as well as many articles for denominational publications. In 1991, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from his alma mater, SAGU, and in 2006 one of the university's new resident halls was named in his honor. James and Joyce resided in Waxahachie for 27 years, during which he served as pastor of University Assembly of God Church for eight years and three years as executive vice president at SAGU. He was actively involved in numerous community organizations and causes including president of the Waxahachie Ministerial Association, chairman for Ellis County United Way, president of Waxahachie Lions Club and president of Waxahachie Community Chest Fund. In 2008, after 15 years in Springfield, Mo., a highlight for James and Joyce was the opportunity to retire and return home to Waxahachie to live close to their three sons and families including eight grandchildren. Their oldest son, Kermit, is president of SAGU. He and his wife, Jan, have two sons, James and Forrest. Their second son, Kendall, is pastor of Freedom Life Church, Carrollton, Texas. He and his wife, Starla, have two sons and daughters-in-law, Kolt and Laura, and Dandy and Sara, and two daughters, Summer and Hunter. Their third son, Keenan, is marketing director for Renfro Healthcare Center of Waxahachie. He has a daughter, Storey, and son, Sterling. After weeks of declining health, James was diagnosed with acute leukemia and went to be with the Lord early morning of Memorial Day while sleeping at his home surrounded by his family. He is also survived by two sisters, Jo Marie Phelps of Roswell, N.M. and Patricia Williams of Houston, Texas. At his retirement Bridges stated, "You retire from offices, but you never retire from God's call to ministry." Two days before his diagnosis of acute leukemia and one week before his death, he was in the pulpit preaching the Gospel. James K. Bridges will be remembered as a loving husband and father, caring friend, respected church leader, and actively involved in his community. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at University AG Church, 221 Solon Rd., Waxahachie. A Funeral service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at SAGU Sheaffer Full Life Center, 1200 Sycamore, Waxahachie. In lieu of flowers, James would have wanted any heartfelt gift in his memory to be designated to the James K. Bridges Scholarship Fund, which has been established at SAGU to provide assistance to deserving students. Funeral arrangements provided by Waxahachie Funeral Home, 1201 W. Highway 287 Bypass.