Michael William "Mike" Briggs

Michael "Mike" William Briggs, age 75, of Jonesville, passed away, after battling cancer, peacefully at his home with his wife by his side on Friday, June 28, 2024. He was born on January 21, 1949, in Jackson, Michigan, to William and Maxine (Latta) Briggs.
Mike graduated from Jonesville High School in 1967 and was known by his friends as "Shifty." Mike went on to proudly serve his county in the United States Army. Mike's commitment to our nation lead him to the front lines of Vietnam, where he received a purple heart for his service and injuries. Upon returning home, Mike was a highly active member of the Jonesville American
Legion Post 195 for 50 years, participating and assisting in many parades, fundraising events, cross placement for fallen veterans that served in over-seas conflicts and served as a Past Post Commander.
Mike's lifelong passion was cars, from collecting cars to car parts, working on engines and racing. He was a member of the Hot Rod Association and loved attending car shows and swap meets. He was instrumental in founding the Jonesville Car Show that took place during the Jonesville Riverfest weekend.
Mike ran a car repair business, later moving over to the racing side, building racing engines, and retired from Hess Performance Machine in Jonesville. There was never a time his garage was not filled with car parts, where he was working on his street rod, or thinking about his next project.
Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, Denise Briggs; two daughters, Nicole (David) Mercer of Tampa, Florida, Mary Elizabeth "Libby" (Erik) Mannes of Hamilton, Michigan; their mother, Judy (Cooley) Swope; one son, Travis (Christine) Devlin of Mattawan, Michigan; seven grandchildren Magen Mercer, Madeline Mercer, Meridith Mercer, Alex Mannes, Ryan Mannes, Sylvia Mannes, and Anna Devlin; and four siblings, Sue Markillie, Thomas (Julie) Briggs, Jeffrey (Connie) Briggs, and Carol (Rob) Gow.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Gerald Briggs.
A memorial service with military honors for Michael Briggs will take place on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Jonesville with Pastor Tina Zimmerman officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Eagle Funeral Home in Jonesville and on Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Final interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Jonesville American Legion Post 195 or Hospice of Hillsdale County.