John H. Bridges passed away February 23, 2023 at the age of 82.

Beloved husband of Beverly for 63 beautiful years.

Loving father of Jill (Mark) Pohl, John (Diane), Bridges, Michael (Trisha) Bridges, Bradley (Kara) Bridges and Colleen (Mike) Noe.

Cherished grandfather of Megan, Lauren (Dave) Brimhall, Sean, Kathleen (Carey) Rea, Sara, Emily, Ryan (Elizabeth) Bridges, Nick, Chris, Tyler, Aaron, Kyle, Hampton, Caitlin and Carly.

Proud great grandfather of Madison, Mackenzie and Addison.

Dear brother of Robert (late Chris).

John graduated from Edsel Ford and went on to Notre Dame to further his education, ultimately attending University of Michigan where he earned his master's degree in education.

He then returned to Edsel Ford where he taught 10 ^th grade biology for 40 years. He also coached varsity football for 23 seasons, track for 18 years and 3 seasons of cross country.

His hard work and dedication awarded him the honor of being inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997.

The following is a tribute to John from his nephew Kris Bridges.

My Uncle Jack was one of the funniest, smartest , life of the party , unique kind of human being you will find. Both he and my dad were legendary coaches in my hometown - Dearborn , Michigan , and were at rival high schools - Edsel Ford and Dearborn High School. My uncle had a very Jerry Glanville presence on the sidelines with his black cowboy hat on as he patrolled the sidelines. Before the spread offense was vogue.. Jack would describe how spreading people out was so important to offense. His creativity and thought allowed him to become one of the very unique minds in Michigan High School Football.

Selfishly, I really enjoyed his stories … and boy he could freaking tell a story .. in vivid detail. My uncle was famously known for his photographic memory, and that memory served him well when articulating the nuance of story. I Loved watching my dad and him exchange old times and belly laughs!!! As I grew older.. I started to understand the witty comebacks and the stories became clearer and were outrageously entertaining.

I remember my dad telling me the story of crediting Jack for helping him figure out the rules to track and field. Understanding the details to how it is scored and using people to your advantage. My dad told me about his first meet and was frustrated with something about the rules. Jack told him to adjust his mindset and learn the rules …and the rest was history.

On their birthdays, they would buy each other a six pack of beer that was different and unique to their otherwise Budweiser and Miller High Life fancy. This would literally be the only time I would see my dad try another beer .. other than his go to Miller High Life. Being the youngest of six… this allowed me to .. for a few years in there… attend these all by myself. For many years, I would try to get home for my dad's birthday and a great perk was seeing him get excited that Jack was coming over and watching them banter back and forth.

I remember Jack speaking at my dad's retirement party with such admiration. If you know anything about their generation and growing up in Detroit… and their personalities… then laughter, sarcasm and a great city cut down was much easier to retrieve than a tear of emotion. Yet.. my uncle was overcome with emotion when speaking about the influence of my father on him. That was as genuine as it got, and my dad could not look up and was paralyzed with thankfulness from his brother.

Luckily, my sister was able to capture this picture of the two brothers for the last time. As apropos as it gets. Both with difficulties and medical problems… but one constant… storytelling and laughter. This is how I will remember my uncle and his ability to make my father laugh, and it instilled in me that the quickest way to enjoy someone is through the art of laughter.

My dad will miss his brother , I will miss my uncle, and the world will be a little less funny and enjoyable without Jack in it. I will have a whiskey and a cigar for you tonight, sir.

Rest peacefully, Uncle Jack.

Donations in John's name can be made to Edsel Ford Varsity Alumni Club by mail

C/O DKeskes

24543 Jason Drive

Brownstown, MI 48133

Or

Henry Ford Centennial Library by clicking DONATE

There will also be donation envelopes available at the funeral home and church.