James “Jimmy” Lewis Bryant

On Monday, November 2, 2026, James “Jimmy” Lewis Bryant, 83, of Siler City, North Carolina, entered his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Jimmy was born on January 10, 1943, in Durham County, North Carolina, to Lewis Bryant and Burwell Petty Bryant. He was the oldest among seven siblings. After graduation in 1961, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed at Cecil Field Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Two years later, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Caroline Johnson Bryant, and they made their home in Florida. Following the birth of their son Terry, they returned to Chatham County, where they built a beautiful life together for more than 62 years. They were later blessed with another son, Todd, and a daughter, Jill. Their greatest blessings included six grandchildren, all of whom they deeply loved.

Jimmy worked for AT&T at the Pittsboro facility, known locally as the “Big Hole,” for nearly 43 years. He retired in 2008 as a supervisor. While he held many titles throughout his life, his most treasured title was Soldier of the Cross. Nothing was more important to him than his relationship with Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel, and serving God’s Kingdom.

He was a founding member of Joy Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher. Jimmy found great joy in serving others. He was always willing to help, encourage, share, and give of himself. Throughout his life, he inspired family and friends to love one another, serve others faithfully, and cultivate a devoted godly Christian relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Vicky Bryant Dickerson and Linda Bryant Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Bryant; his son, James Terry Bryant (Ashley), and their sons, Grayson (Lauren) and Ross (Hannah); his son, Stephen Todd Bryant (Rebecca), and their sons, Stephen and Jacob; and his daughter, Jill Bryant Dixon (Sonny), and their twins, Jillian and Jack. He is also survived by three brothers, Dale Bryant (Paulette), David Bryant (Bonnie), and Jerry Bryant (Janet); and one sister, Jean Bryant Ridgeway (Randy).

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 12:45pm until 1:45pm at Joy Batist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm at the church, with Reverend Steve Clark and Clarence Toney officiating.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of Joy Baptist Church, 61 Bowers Store Road, Siler City, NC.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. James “Jimmy” Lewis Bryant.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com