James Briggs was born on March 30, 1931 to the late Henry Reeder Briggs and Minnie (Tesola) Briggs.

He was called home to rest on January 9, 2020 at Christus St. Vincent Hospital Hot Springs, AR.

He was born in Ozan, Arkansas and attended the Clow Training School.  In his youth, he had a love for sports, football and baseball were his favorite.

His family later moved to Nashville, Arkansas, where he met and married his loving wife, Louise Harden Briggs.  To this union seven children were born.  They were married until she preceded him in death.

He is also preceded in death by his mother and father; one daughter, Bonita Green; one granddaughter, Shaunta Sampson; one grandson, Corey Sampson; one great-grandson, Eric Pearson; six brothers and seven sisters.

James gave his life to Christ at a tender age and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Having traveled to various states with his family working as a farm laborer; the tomato harvest was the beginning of his hard work.

After returning home to Nashville, AR, he continued to work hard and provide for his children.  Working long days in the pulpwood industry and getting off work hauling hay until dark.  Later, he began working in factories and sawmills, ending his hard labor working for Tyson Foods maintenance department.

Even after the age of retirement, he continued to work in the bean field and doing other odd jobs until around the age of 70.  Enjoying his life to the fullest.

James was loved by many, he enjoyed laughing, talking and joking with everyone.  Never meeting a stranger.  He had a special love for his family in his own way.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Mattie Briggs; his children, William (Debra) Briggs of Texarkana, AR; Sonja (Vernon) Sampson of Nashville, AR, Tony Briggs of Nashville, AR, Terry Briggs of El Dorado, AR, Nina (Anthony) Deloney of Tollette, AR, Cynthia (Calvin) Lee of Nashville, AR; one sister, Rosa (Robert) Lord of Peoria, Arizona; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Willie Green of Tollette, AR; and a friend a brother-in-law, Feazel Matlock of Gary, Indiana; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be 11am-4pm, family hour 4-5pm Friday at the funeral home.  Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1500 S. Ansley Street, Nashville.  Burial will be at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Nashville.  Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.