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James Briggs, Sr.

James Richard Briggs, Sr. died February 11, 2021 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk, NY.

He was born September 23, 1934 in Dunkirk, NY, son of the late Arthur W. and Margaret (Deutsch) Briggs.

In addition to his parents some of Jim’s siblings are deceased: Robert Raeymacker Briggs (Luella) of Dunkirk, NY, William Raeymacker (Mary Ann) Briggs of Largo, FL, Sgt. Gerald B. Raeymacker, Charles (Arlene) Briggs of Dunkirk, NY, Katherine Briggs (George) Gowen of Wesleyville, PA, and John “Jake” (Vera) Briggs.

Jim is survived by his brother, Donald Briggs (Carolyn) of Fredonia, NY; his sisters: Kareen Briggs (William) Simmons of Sebring, Fla,. and Martha Briggs (Roman) Kloecker of Erie, Pa.; also survived by Mary Ellen (Fields) Briggs of Dunkirk, N.Y.

Additionally, Jim is surbvived by his children: Sandee (Don) Hulihan, Caroline (Frederic) Henney, Jr., James Richard (Kimberely) Briggs Jr., Paul Briggs, Thomas (Michelle) Briggs, Michael Briggs, Steven (Karen) Briggs, Laurel Briggs Stockton; grandchildren: Alison (John) Schroeder, Colleen (Richard) Mounts, Sara Crocoll (Sean) Smith, Nicholas Crocoll, James Richard (Jenny Berggren) Briggs III, Matthew (Brenda) Briggs, Kelsey Briggs, Grace Winters, Thomas (Molly Case) Briggs II, Joshua (Erica) Briggs, Preston (Margaret “Meg”) Briggs, Courtney Briggs, Craig Briggs, Dennis Briggs, and Janeyre Stockton, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great (and great-great) nieces and nephews.

Jim was a member of the Dunkirk Jaycees and assisted with the Miss Dunkirk/Fredonia pageants. He was instrumental in establishing and facilitating the Dunkirk Recreation Commission Ski Club and the Dunkirk Antique Auto Show and Flea Market.

He was a member of Dunkirk Hose Company No. 1 Drum and Bugle Corps and was a veteran, having served in the Army National Guard.

Jim worked in construction and roofing for many years, and these efforts are still evident around the area. He worked on the building of the Purina Plant and the water filtration plant as a millwright. Among his many jobs, he also worked at True Temper, TeePee Trailer Sales, Niagara Therapy, Bill Brazil Cadillac Oldsmobile, Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation, Open View Windows, Briggs Home Improvement, and founded Deer Brooke Trailer Sales.

He was a true-blue, blue collar man with a keen eye toward experiencing the world. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fredonia, NY and served the congregation in many ways over the years.

He is lovingly remembered by his children through wonderful trips to Florida, gloppy donuts, 3 Musketeers bars, his boat, the Okie Dokie, and his love of the outdoors, camping and travel.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 334 Temple St., Fredonia on Fridaty, July 30, 2021 at 10 a.m.

A note of genuine gratitude from Jim’s family is extended to the staff of the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care, support, patience, and friendship over many years. Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the WNY Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, PO Box 565, Dunkirk NY 14048 or St. Paul Lutheran Church, 334 Temple St., Fredonia, NY 14063. On-line condolences can be made at larsontimkofuneralhome. com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, Fredonia, NY.