James Elvin Briggs, Jr.

                                                                 James Elvin Briggs, Jr.

GRAHAM – James Elvin Briggs, Jr., 88, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Hospice & Palliative Care Center in Burlington surrounded by his children and granddaughters. He was born September 11, 1931 in Vance County to the late James Elvin “Buck” Briggs, Sr. and Gertrude Rhodes Briggs and married to Anne Stanton Briggs. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Graham and Quarry Hills Country Club where many rounds of golf and hours of fellowship were often enjoyed.

He loved his family and friends who will remember him for having a quick wit, being a kind neighbor, a fair businessman, loving a country breakfast, surf fishing and hosting Briggs Open Golf Tournaments at Quarry Hills Country Club where he was awarded the “Super Sponsor” Award by those in attendance one year. His two children fondly remember summer cookouts, him hand churning homemade ice cream and most nights setting up the projector and screen to show family movie recordings of summer vacations ranging from Florida to Canada road trips. A favorite pastime was watching television, especially Nascar, and occasionally a basketball game where he didn’t have a favorite team but strongly disliked UNC! Building a successful business, Consolidated Roofing Company, Inc. by selling and installing commercial roofs, he was honored in the top ten salesman category at annual conventions by Texas Refinery Corporation, Inc. for 21 consecutive years. After retiring from his business, he enjoyed volunteering in his community, fellowship at the family farm and mowing his lawn. Highlights of his enjoyments came from visits from his granddaughters, whom he adored.

Elvin proudly served his country from 1950 - 1954 as Quartermaster Seaman in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS James E. Kyes during the Korean War. He served on the Swepsonville Town Council from 1997-2011.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years; Anne Stanton Briggs, two brothers; Baby Briggs and Newt Rhodes, one sister; Joan Pernell and his beloved Maltese, Bea.

He is survived by his son, Stan Briggs (Susan Bottoms Davidson) of Charlotte; daughter Denise Briggs of Raleigh; granddaughter Jackie Briggs of Brooklyn, New York (Ash Burrell); granddaughter Amy Briggs of Boone; sister Frances Stanton of Henderson and numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

His life will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church of Graham officiated by Rev. Claire Clyburn and Rev. Greg Jenks with interment at 2:30 pm in the Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Kittrell, NC. The family will receive friends from 10:30 am -11:15 am prior to the service at the church and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Graham and/or Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund in Kittrell, NC.

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