James Doris "Nookie" Briggs

On November 5, 1954, God sent a unique gift from heaven in the embodiment of James D. (Nookie) Briggs. He was the son of the late Sylvester Collins and Frances McGuire Briggs Collins. He departed this life, September 23, 2025, at 8:14 AM at the Lucy King Care Center in Deaconess Methodist Hospital in Henderson, Kentucky.

James was a free soul, and he made a lasting impression on everyone he met. James loved his family and was ecstatic about his grandchildren. He was a loving and kind man who was a friend to many. James (Nookie) Briggs loved fishing, watching old westerns, football, UK and DUKE basketball games, and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. James loved life in general and was a great conversationalist which opened many doors for him.

James (Nookie) Briggs was born in Morganfield, KY, where he spent most of his childhood before moving to Franklin, IN. While living in Franklin, IN, he enlisted in the United States Army. As a young man, James worked in the Healthcare Industry in Flint, MI, for about 15 years. He also worked in the construction industry after his discharge from the military. He was employed in various positions such as Security Guard, Semi-Grain Truck Driver, and Resident Advisor in whatever city he was residing in. Later in life, he relocated back to Union County, where his parents were residents. James moved to Henderson, KY, and resided there until his demise.

James Doris (Nookie) Briggs was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Sylvester Collins; one sister, Louise Covington; and two brothers, Timothy L. Briggs and Joel David Briggs. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Mary Briggs, Henderson, KY, Breanna Marshall, Morganfield, KY; five sons, Jason Briggs (Doreen) of Flint, MI, Jacob Stewart (Nicole) of Harrisburg, Il, Justin Briggs of Sullivan Co., IN, James Briggs, Jr of Dale City, VA, and Jordan Briggs of Henderson, KY; four sisters, Mable Briggs Johnson (Clem) of Morganfield, KY, Monica Perry (Chris), Shirley Jobe (Tim) of Henderson, KY, Stella Collins of Morganfield, KY; three brothers, Floyd L Briggs of Indianapolis, IN, Jerald Daniel Briggs (Ken) of Indianapolis, IN, Thomas Christopher Collins (Kathy) of Norwalk, CT; 23 grandchildren; one aunt, Dorothy McGuire of Indianapolis, IN; one uncle, Ronald Kent; one sister-in-law, Rita Briggs of Henderson, KY; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

We are sad when those we love

Are called to live in that home above

But why should we grieve when they say good-bye

And go to dwell in a cloudless sky

They have but gone to prepare the way,

And we’ll join them again

One happy day.

Helen Steiner Rice