James Oscar Bryant was drafted in1943 into the United States Navy. He served two years as a  Petty Officer 2nd class. He was a baker for a Naval Hospital in the European Theater. During his tour of duty, he resided in Oran, North Africa.

J. O. retired as an insurance sales manager for People's Security Company in 1989 after forty years of employment. He has been an active member of the Baptist Church serving as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and a member of the choir for over sixty-years.

He married Lucille Joyner Bryant in May of 1943. The have three children, eight grand-children and one great-grand child.