James R. Briggs

 James Ralph Briggs a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Airforce and long-time resident of Severn, Maryland died on July 16th, 2020.

James is survived by his stepchildren; Salvacion Calimag and spouse Luis and son Lucito; Joselito Grita of Cavite, Philippines, Januario Grita of Severn, MD. Maria Violet Taylor and spouse Wesley and their two sons Ryan and Dylan of Millsboro, DE; Franklin Napagal and spouse Kelly Quaster and their three children Cara Ortanez, Jacob Napagal, and Hunter Gibson of Parkville, MD, and his brother Judson Briggs, of Green Valley, AZ. James is preceded in death by his wife Rosario Napagal Briggs; brother Charles Danial Briggs (Sonny); brother William Glen Briggs, and sister Janet Louis Briggs-Wallick, and stepson Jesus Grita.

James was born March 27, 1944, in California to the late Charles Danial Briggs Sr. and the late Shirley Deane Briggs-Beam; nee Huggins. As a child he moved from place to place as his father was active military; eventually finding a home in Abingdon, Illinois where he grew into the man he later would become. He graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in Fairview Illinois; Class of 1962.

After high school, James enlisted in the United States Airforce on May 1st, 1964 where he served for 22 years 7 months as a Communication Collections/Systems Superintendent and ended his career as a Master Sergeant at Fort George G. Meade. During his tours, he fought in the Vietnam War; stationed in both Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. While in the Philippines; he met and fell in love with Rosario Napagal. The two wed in the Philippines on April 26th, 1982. From the moment they met life would never be the same. Rosario had six children who would later go on to call him dad: or more commonly known as Pop by both the children and grandchildren. Through his love for both his wife and his step-children he would fight to bring them home to America to give them a life they could only dream of and share his life and worldly belongings with them to ensure that they would never need for anything.

After his career in the military, James would go on to hold a few positions that kept him busy and active for the rest of his days. It would be an understatement to say that James was just a lover of books, but more a connoisseur of knowledge. You would never see a day that television was not set to Fox News or Animal Planet. His home was full of books and he was happy to give a book to enlighten your brain. When speaking to James it was sometimes hard to keep up because his vocabulary was so far beyond what most use on a day to day. Life was not only reading and knowledge there was a bit of fun, too.

Throughout his years he enjoyed many things, some of his favorite past-times were bowling, a night of dancing with his wife, a few beers with buddies, and spending time with his family as it expanded. As a young man, he worked as a broadcaster and tinkered with remote control cars and liked to collect letters and stamps. Growing up in a home of five-children; four of them being boys they found a unique bond and stuck together tight as glue. His brother Judson would describe him as proud and honorable, that grew into a gentle and kind man that was ever so proud of his stepchildren.

While there is so much to share about this incredible life; it is the love that he had for his family that is what the family will remember and cherish for all their days. Each one of his children will miss him dearly. James Ralph Briggs was an American Hero, Wonderful Friend, and the World’s Best Father and Grandfather. While sad to see him go, we know that he has gone on to be with his wife, parents, and siblings. We can only hope to leave such an impact on the world as Pop did.   

All services are private.  Please contact the family for more information.

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