James BRIGGS Obituary

BRIGGS, James E.
James E Briggs Jr., age 80, died Saturday August 8, 2015, at Seton Hospital in Kyle, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born at home in Upton Texas on July 26, 1935. Growing up, he spent many hours hunting and fishing with his dad, uncles, and cousins. He was a standout athlete. Participating in all sports offered at Smithville High School. Taking pitching honors on the basball team and being an integral part of the football team, helping to take them to the post season and earning him All Centex honors. His athletic prowess led him to a scholarship at Rice University, playing both football and baseball all four years of college. He was a three year lettermen in both sports and served as the football team captain his senior year. After graduation he continued with his love of sports and started coaching. His third year out led him to a new school in east Austin, Johnston High School. In his three seasons as head coach of the East Austin school, he won the district championship every year. In 1962 his team went to the quarterfinals before bowing out. He continued to coach until the early seventies when a career change led him to the State of Texas Rehabilitation Commission where he worked until retirement.

After retirement he found great pleasure in his love of his horses, his family, and his neighbors, securing a special relationship with Willie and Piper Smith. He was a life long member of the First Baptist Church in Smithville and had a love for his Lord. His easy smile and endless story telling will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol Jean Briggs of Smithville. His children: Carol Anne Miller and husband Garry of Smithville, Jeffery King Briggs and wife Vicky of Marble Falls, Stephen Holland and wife Kathy of Spicewood, and Mark Holland and wife Loni of Seattle Washington, ten grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Sisters Evelyn Tiner of Smithville and Carolyn Swenson (George) of Plano. And many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lucille and James E Briggs Sr., sister Laverne Cameron, daughter Lori Anderson, son James Michael Briggs and grandson Jason Briggs.

Memorial service at 11:00am Saturday September 19, 2015. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman from Sep. 18 to Sep. 19, 2015.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/statesman/name/james-briggs-obituary?id=18398700