Griffith resident Jeff Bridges may have lived by the name of a famous actor, but he was renowned in his own right to the people who frequented Bridges Scoreboard, 121 N. Griffith Blvd., over the years.
Jeff Bridges, who died suddenly in his sleep Monday, co-owned the popular sports bar with his brother Scott Bridges.
Monday at about 6 p.m. may have been the usual “happy hour” at Bridges, but instead turned to a wake of sorts, with an outpouring of admiration, respect and mourning for one of Griffith’s most well-known business owners, friend (especially to those in need), former collegiate athlete, husband and father.
The bar/restaurant was filled with friends and patrons who remembered Jeff Bridges as the face of Bridges Scoreboard, which pays tribute with photos and plaques of standout Griffith athletes of the past alongside many college and pro sports stars whose memorabilia populate the walls of the establishment.
Those inside were coping with the loss of the outgoing and hard-working 57-year-old man who played host on so many nights over 30-plus years.
“He did have some health issues, diabetes, congestive heart failure,” his 61-year-old brother said. “But we just went to the Cubs-Sox game (a Bridges-sponsored trip) on Saturday and we all had a good time, and he had worked on Sunday.”
Jeff Bridges had been dealing with a serious foot infection and had planned to see a doctor on Monday. He had been in pain for some time, and while the cause of death is still unknown, his brother believes that condition could have contributed to his death.
“It’s just such a shock,” he said.
Jeff and Scott Bridges took over the sports bar their parents had opened in 1983. Scott Bridges believed they formed a complementary team, with his younger brother taking on the front of the house and social media role and ensuring people were having a good time while he handled more of the bookkeeping and back house operations.
“Jeff was very good with the customers, much better than I was,” he said. “We really worked well together.”
He remembered his brother for having a big heart and for how he took care of customers and employees alike.
“Employees would feel comfortable coming to him with problems and he would try to help them,” Scott Bridges said. “He would give them loans and help them through tough times.”
Some people thought they had been mistakenly told that it was Scott Bridges who died, as he is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Scott Bridges was at Bridges Scoreboard Monday to meet the phalanx of friends and patrons in coming in to pay their respects. He spent the morning with his sister-in-law and niece.
“We have such a good staff here,” he said. “We’ve had several people step up when they learned I had cancer. We’ve had such great support.”
Still, Jeff Bridges will be irreplaceable, especially to his wife Denise and their 14-year-old daughter Brylie, who is a freshman at his alma mater, Griffith High School.
“Jeff was so looking forward to watching her play high school softball,” Scott Bridges said. “She wears his No. 12.”
Jeff Bridges wore No. 12 as a member of the Purdue Calumet men’s basketball team. Bob Bradtke of Griffith was at Bridges Scoreboard Monday evening celebrating the life of his teammate and friend of 39 years.
“He was a star at Griffith High School, but when he came to Purdue he changed his game and became a defensive standout point guard,” Bradtke said. “He was one of the greatest teammates you could have.”
Bradtke remembered him as a patron of the Griffith community and a dedicated softball coach for his daughter’s teams.
“He really cared about kids in this community,” Bradtke said.
Griffith Town Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd, noting his long friendship with the Bridges brothers, issued a statement on behalf of the town.
“My family is heartbroken for Denise and Brylie. Words cannot express the devastating loss we feel for them,” Ryfa said. “The Town of Griffith offers our most sincere condolences to Jeff’s family, his brother Scott and Jeff’s parents. The Bridges name has become synonymous with Griffith. Through their kindness and generosity, they have given back to the community in immeasurable ways.
“Scott and Jeff have built one of the best sports-themed establishments in all of Northwest Indiana and have so many friends that they are too numerous to mention. Griffith is hurting now. Jeff’s closest friends and customers, who Jeff often thought of as extended family, will cherish his memory. And while we all mourn the loss, we want to support the entire family through these very troubled times.”
Funeral arrangements for Jeff Bridges are pending.
A “Kick Cancer” fundraising event will be held to benefit Scott Bridges on September 27 at Avenue 912.
Freelance reporter Michelle Quinn contributed.
