Jimmy Briggs

Jimmy L. Briggs, 78 of New Martinsville, WV, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at his home.

He was born July 7, 1947 in New Martinsville, WV to the late Guy and Georgia Louise (Haught) Briggs.

Jimmy was a retired employee of the Wetzel County Board of Education where he worked as a custodian at New Martinsville School for 26 years. He was a coal miner and worked for North American Coal - Mine # 7, Powhatan, OH. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966 upon graduation at the age of 17 from Magnolia High School, New Martinsville, WV. After basic training at Camp Lejeune, he received orders to serve his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was wounded and spent several months in a military hospital in Guam and received the Purple Heart award. He returned to Vietnam and finished his tour of duty before returning to the states. Upon returning to the states, until his enlistment was over, his job assignment was as a cross-country chaser. He served his country well as an honorable, brave, and good man.

His favorite things in life were being outdoors, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and friends, dancing with his wife, and traveling.

He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in New Martinsville, WV and a member of Moose Lodge 931.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy Lee was preceded in death by a son, Mark Allen Briggs; and a sister, Susan Jane (Briggs) Hall.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Lorna Allison Briggs; one son, Michael Anthony Briggs of New Martinsville; three stepchildren, Jake, Chloris, and Brittany Schilling; two sisters, Star Banay Briggs and Phyllis Haught Croasmun both of New Martinsville; two sisters-in-law, Janet Koontz of Hundred, WV, and Pat Oliver of Aurora, Indiana; six grandchildren, Michael, Chelsea, and Rachel Briggs, Mickey and Ashley Gump and Braden Hoover; three great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many special friends including John Despirito.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory, 751 Third Street, New Martinsville, WV until time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Vincent officiating.

Inurnment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Angels – Upper Ohio Valley, 76 16th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 or to Journey Hospice, 314 S. Wells Street, Sistersville, WV 26175.

Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com.