James Bernard Bryant

James (Jim) Bernard Bryant, 63, of Princeton, West Virginia, went peacefully at home into the arms of his savior and Lord on the morning of July 11, 2016. Jim was the son of Lucille Taylor Bryant Riddle and the late Bernard Lee Bryant. Jim spent many years in the coal mining industry and heavy duty truck parts industry, retiring in 2012 . He was born April 28, 1953 in Bluefield and was raised in Montcalm later to move to Bluewell. He was a 1971 graduate of Bluefield High School and entered the WV national guard in December of 1972 serving until 1978. He and his wife and children lived in the west end of Bluefield until 2000 when they moved to Princeton. In 1991, Jim received a heart transplant at the University of Virginia medical center. He would have celebrated his 25th anniversary on August 2nd 2016. Jim’s favorite past time was Friday night high school football, WVU football, camping at Claytor Lake and riding his pontoon “Harley” with his family. He was preceded in death by his father Bernard Lee Bryant, step-father Garney Riddle, brothers Tuffy and Michael Bryant, father-in-law Dick Gilpin, mother-in-law Frances Gilpin. He is survived by loving wife of 43 years Margaret Bryant and mother Lucille Riddle of Bluewell. Also survived by his daughter Heather Eldridge and husband David Eldridge and their three girls Lauryn, McKenzie and Addison, son Dr. Michael Bryant and wife Jessica Bryant and their children William and Jemma. Also surviving are sister Linda and Keith Allen, brother Ricky and Vanessa Bryant, brother-in-law Richard and Patsy Gilpin and their families. The family would like to thank extended family of Dr. James Bergin and the staff on the UVA transplant team for the care they provided over the last 25 years. Special thanks to Dr. Domingo Javier and Dr. Jessica Aliff as primary care providers as well. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the Mercer County Bible in the Schools, P O Box 5124, Princeton, WV 24740 referencing in Jim’s memory. Jim accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior in the fall of 1990. As Jim was an advocate for organ donation and was an organ donor, we ask that you please discuss organ donation with your family. We were all blessed by a wonderful unknown family’s decision in 1991, giving us 25 more years to enjoy him. Until we meet again........ Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Minister Dan Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield, WV where Military Graveside Honors will be performed by the Mercer County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home