Jimmy "Joe" Bryant

Joe Bryant passed away in his home in Frederick, Colorado on May 5, 2026. He was born on October 13, 1933, in Gastonia, North Carolina to James Albert Bryant and Myrtle Malinda (Parton) Bryant. Raised in the Arlington Mill village, Joe attended local schools and later worked in the mill where his parents also worked.

In 1951, during the Korean conflict, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force. His service took him far beyond his hometown for the first time, creating memories he cherished throughout his life. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas; Westover, Massachusetts; Korea; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Tampa, Florida. While stationed in Wyoming, he met Maxine Davis and they were married in York, South Carolina in 1953. Their first daughter, Cynthia Carole, was born in 1954, followed by their second daughter, Danelle Joyce in 1962. They resided in Gastonia where he worked in Snyder’s department store.

Seeking a stable career, Joe moved his family to Denver, Colorado to attend barber school. After graduating in 1957, he completed his apprenticeship in Lakewood and Arvada, before opening his own shop. He and Maxine later divorced. During his time at Grandview Barbers, he helped establish the Arvada Elks Lodge and became a charter member. At an Elks social event, Joe met the love of his life, Marla. Together they blended their families and shared 50 devoted years of marriage filled with travel, adventure, faith and friendship. You rarely saw one without the other.

In 1977, Joe began a new career with RTD, first as a bus driver, then as an instructor, and later as a street supervisor. He loved working with people and had a remarkable gift for remembering names and making everyone feel welcome. To Joe, there were no strangers— only friends he had not yet met. His memory was phenomenal and he could remember everyone’s names, and everything about them until the day he passed. 

After retiring from RTD in 1998, Joe and Marla worked for Horan & McConaty while also operating a full-service wedding business. Joe was passionate about photography and became known as a “picture historian” for Olde Town Arvada, the Elks Club and RTD. He documented countless memories for friends, family and his community.

Joe and Marla were devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first in Arvada and later in Frederick, where they settled in 2000. Their faith, church family and time in the temple were central to their lives. He and Marla loved travelling together, especially road trips. Joe loved children and was affectionately known as “Papa Joe” to many. His warm smile, kindness, humor and ability to make others feel at ease will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Marla; daughter, Cindi of Arvada; sons, Jerry Villano of Arvada and Jim R. Jacobs (Amy) of Frederick; and daughter, Jani Judson (Mike) of Ormond Beach, FL. He is also survived by Grandchildren, Amanda Welch (Justin), Katie Southard (Matt), Daniel O’Shea, Roman Villano, Erin Lee (Daniel), CJ (Jam Davis), Emilee Ramirez (Alfredo), Catherine Jacobs, Elena Jacobs, Hope Davis, Ian Davis (Megan), Faith Culler (Chris), Grace Davis, Joy Davis (Mark Sprengelmeyer), Grayson (Haley), Whitney, Eli and Morgan Brasier; and great grandchildren, Colin and Nora Welch, Brendan Southard, Everett and Raleigh Davis, Kip and Leo Culler, Robin and Jasper Lee, and Mateo Ramirez. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stanley, Elmore and Marvin; sisters, Valene and Libby; and daughter, Danelle.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation and funeral service for Joe on Saturday, May 16th, with the visitation from 9:00-10:45am, and the service beginning at 11:00am. Both will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9029 Grand Mesa Ave., Frederick, CO 80504. For those unable to attend the funeral service in person, please check back here for the live-stream link to participate virtually.

Family and friends are also welcome to attend the Military service with Air Force Honors, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO. The time for this service is still pending.