Obituary of Robert A. Briggs

Robert A. Briggs, 81, of Jamestown, passed away Sunday February 10, 2019 in UPMC Chautauqua Hospital. An area resident most of his life, he was born December 11, 1937 in Rutland, Vermont the son of the late Allan and Marion Nutter Briggs. Bob attended Jamestown High School (class of 1956) and graduated from Proctor Academy in Andover, New Hampshire. He worked in the furniture industry for many years, starting at Jamestown Sterling and retiring from Union National. Bob was a member of Zion Covenant Church. Although not consistently at Sunday service, his faith was strong and his beliefs unwavering. Bob had a strong moral compass that guided him through life. Working in the furniture industry for most of his life, Bob loved working with wood. His workshop in the basement was his escape. Designing, creating, and building was his passion. As much as he enjoyed woodworking, he equally enjoyed his friends. Never lacking a good story or joke (sometimes forgetting the punch-line), Bob loved to be around good friends. The stories are never ending, from the fraternity hazing in high school at Jamestown High to the toilet bowl in the front yard to the incorrect dividend check for $1 million, everyone has a 'Bob' story. The only thing Bob loved more was being with his family. Teaching his kids to waterski or taking his grandkids on tractor rides, he was active throughout his life. In the end, limited by his heart disease, his activities slowed down but not his love for family, friends, and country. A proud American, who never missed an opportunity to praise his country and the city he called home, Jamestown. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Briggs whom he married August 24, 1963; two daughters: Suzanne Elizabeth (Conor) Doherty of Dubai, UAE, Judith Anne Thompson of Pittsburgh, PA; a son: Jonathan Alden (Jennifer) Briggs of Houston, TX; six grandchildren: Malley and Declan Doherty, George and Mary "Libby" Thompson, Nicholas and Noelle Briggs; and a sister in law, Karen Briggs of Rochester, NY (niece Mary Watson, nephew Bob Briggs). Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Allan Briggs. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday February 15, 2019 in Zion Covenant Church. The Rev. Rick Miller, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday February 14 in the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of the two organizations close to Bob's heart; the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; or the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.