James Eldridge Bumgardner

James Eldridge Bumgardner passed away peacefully in the home he shared with his daughter Jennifer Bumgardner and her family, on April 3, 2025. James was born the son of a coalminer in Harlan Kentucky on May 27, 1948. He was the youngest of three children to parents Homer and Ima Jean Bumgardner.  James moved with his family to Fairfield Township Ohio during childhood. While attending Fairfield High school, James played football for the Indians. James graduated from FHS in 1966.  After graduating James moved to Pontiac Michigan and did factory work, prior to returning to Fairfield Township and working for Butternut Bread from 1970 to 2002. James was known as “The Bread Man” throughout the Fairfield and Hamilton area. He always valued and enjoyed his work and was very popular with the customers on his route. This man never knew a stranger. James would often bring home treats and gifts to his daughters that he traded for with other drivers and customers on his route. Although James was married more than once, Patsy Nedella, the mother of his daughters, was the love of his life. James met Patsy at The Elbo Room in Fairfield and they sparked a relationship. They were married on April 9th, 1986. Their song was Something by the Beatles. In retirement James dedicated his life to caring for his two daughters, Jennifer Lynn Bumgardner (born 11/21/1986) and Patricia Jean “Jeanie” Bumgardner (born 5/30/1990). He would play catch with Jennifer in the yard and she credits him for her love of sports. He taught Jeanie how to drive, and she said her toughness comes from her father. Later in life James was known as “Papa” to grandchildren Xavior James Bumgardner (born 12/23/09) and Cecilia Michelle Bumgardner-Thorpe (born 8/14/2018), where he took every opportunity to spend time and treasure on both. James also enjoyed gardening and working outdoors and rarely “took the day off” from his work even in retirement. James is survived by the love of his life Patsy Bumgardner; two children Jennifer (Andy) Bumgardner, Jeanie Bumgardner; grandchildren Xavior James Bumgardner, Cecilia Michelle Bumgardner-Thorpe; nieces/nephews David Viars, Chase (Julie) Viars, Jamie Viars, Joe (Susanne) Baker, Zach (Robine) Baker, Holly (Gary) Colegrove, Angela (Greg) Nedella, Amy (Bob) LaPiccirella, Missy Nedella.  A visitation will take place on April 9, 2025 at 9am followed by a celebration of life service at 10:30am at the Avance Funeral Home, 4976 Winton Rd, Fairfield OH 45014. Immediately following burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery on Princeton Road in Hamilton OH.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Joe Nuxall Miracle League at https://www.nuxhallmiracleleague.org/donate