HOWLAND – James E. Briggs died peacefully July 6, 2013, at a local nursing home. Jim was born May 23, 1936, in Guilford, Conn., the son of Frank and Nora Briggs.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jim was equally proud of his Irish heritage. He enjoyed sharing stories about the hard work and struggles of his youth-filled days, but also the good times, such as playing baseball and buying his first car. He was especially devoted to his mother and often spoke of the values she instilled in him from her deep Catholic faith and love for God. He was also close to his sister, Dorothy, whom he described as “always being there for me.” Jim was an amazing “character” of honest complexity and humble simplicity. If you made a connection with him you were a friend for life and he would do anything for you. Before his health decline, he faithfully kept in touch with family and friends through letter writing. He was a gifted artist who found a voice to express himself through his meticulously detailed cartoon characters and captions.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his nephews, Bill Maisano and family of Guilford, Conn., and Patrick Maisano and daughter, Ella Rose, of Vallejo, Calif; and two special friends, Theresa Welch and Susanne DeGrasse. On behalf of Jim, may we offer sincere thanks to the expert caregivers of Brewer Rehabilitation & Living, who ministered to Jim daily and who truly appreciated the “heart” of this dear man. Newspaper lady, Irish lady, Carrie, the green cape lady, Marius, his male nurse … all of you who helped make the quality of his life better … we are all grateful. When you remember Jim, just offer a prayer for all recovering alcoholics and addicts, and for all our veterans. As Jim would say, “Freedom isn’t free.”
Jim will be buried at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta.
James E. Briggs
