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MERRILL JAMES "JIM" BRIGGS

MERRILL BRIGGS Obituary

BRIGGS, MR. MERRILL JAMES "JIM" (Husband of Ann) Muskegon Mr. Merrill James "Jim" Briggs, age 77, passed away Friday, January 29, 2010 in Muskegon. He was born in Dighton, MI on August 5, 1932 to Aaron and Ella (Baker) Briggs and has been a resident of Muskegon since 1956. Jim was employed by Muskegon Piston Ring for 33 years before his retirement and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was a veteran of the Unites States Army having served in the Korean War. Jim was the #1 fan for his grandchildren's activities. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Jim had a great sense of humor and was a practical joker. He loved Polka dancing, his part-time home in Arizona and spending time with his many family and friends. On June 26, 1954, Jim married the former Ann Pastotnik and she survives him along with 4 children, Kurt (Chris) Briggs, Marjorie (Craig) Bates, Marthina Sturgeon and Cherie (Rick) Karel; 10 grandchildren, Jenna (Matt) Blamer, Tina Briggs, Dana Briggs, Lindsey (Don) Ketner, Jory (Andy) Cook, Daniel Sturgeon, Ella Sturgeon, Justine Mooney, Jacquelyn Mooney and Bailey Karel; 2 great-grandchildren, Kiera and Henrik Ketner; 1 sister, Marilyn Gaskill; several nieces, nephews, and extended family of in-laws that he enjoyed spending time with. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Marjorie Briggs and Jean Kepros; 1 brother, Dale Briggs; and 3 grandchildren, Bryan Gregory, Jimmy Bates and Bradley Bates. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11 AM Monday at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Brown presiding. VISITATION will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday at: The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 PM. INTERMENT will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with Military Rites under the auspices of the Muskegon County Council. MEMORIALS in Jim's name may be made to Every Woman's Place, Muskegon Rescue Mission or St. Michael's Catholic Church. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Muskegon Chronicle from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for MERRILL BRIGGS

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Beverly Crawford

February 4, 2010

Annie, It has been a long time since we spoke, but I think of you often. I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man and I will always remember the stories you would tell about him and what a wonderful husband and father he was. May those memories be of comfort to you and your family as you mourn your loss.

Ed Sanocki, Jr.

February 1, 2010

Dear Mrs. Briggs and Family,

We will always remember Mr. Briggs' smile and fun filled nature. We will miss him. We will keep Mr. Briggs and your family in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy. With love, Ed, Patti, Chris, Jackie and Katie Sanocki

January 31, 2010

Kurt - Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Chuck & Jacqui Wahl

pat camp

January 31, 2010

Dear Ann , We hold you close in our hearts. We are so fortunate to have shared such good times with Jim. Love and Prayers pat & Howie

Charlie & Sally Rundquist

January 31, 2010

Ann,
Even tho we are miles apart we feel close to you. Our memories of Jim will live in our hearts forever. We are lucky to have had him in our lives and honored to have the both of you for special friends. May God be by your side and help you through these trying times. All our love.

Ray & Lani Geeting

January 31, 2010

Kurt, our sympathies to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Bevely Kersting

January 31, 2010

Dear Ann and Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.We have so many great memories of Jim.We are blessed to have had good times with him. He was one of a kind, and so special. We will miss him.
Much love and prayers to all of you.
Love Bob n Bev

Dawn Cato

January 31, 2010

Margie - sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed hearing stories from you about your father (especially when you over mashed potatoes). You are in my prayers. Love

Doris Cwiakala

January 31, 2010

Marge and family, so sorry to read about your dad's passing. I haven't been in touch with you and didn't realize he was ill. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Treasure all those great memories you have of sharing special times with him. Love ya, Doris

Colleen Shunta

January 30, 2010

Marge, Craig and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May God bless you and confort you with His loving embrace.

January 30, 2010

Dear Ann & Family, We were all together when we heard Jim was in the hospital. We shared wonderful memories that will never be forgotten. We wish we were with you, but you and your family are in our thoughts & Prayers. Much Love, Ray & Judy, Dick & Sandy

Louise chambers

January 30, 2010

Jim will be remembered by his loving thought for other, was always there when you needed a kind word

Francine Sagan

January 30, 2010

Dear family of Jim,
I knew your father and some of his kids from Omni and Tanglewood. He was a sweet man. While he was going through his kemo came to agewell he gave me a big hug and did his machines just last week and even watch his daughter Cherie do Zumba. I remember the smile on his face. He wil be missed . Prayers and love go out to his family. Francine Sagan

Louis & Joan Aerts

January 30, 2010

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

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