Jack Duane Briggs

June 8, 1945 – May 10, 2023

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Briggs, Johnson, Powell and Wiltsie families announce the passing of husband, father, and grandfather, Jack Duane Briggs. Jack passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, due to medical complications.

Jack was born in 1945, to Lloyd and Doris Briggs in Breckenridge, Michigan. He never met a stranger and was always quick to give a smile, a hug or lend a hand.

After graduating from Breckenridge High School, Jack attended Delta College and Michigan State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Colorado Springs, CO earning the rank of Sergeant with training in Aircraft Radio Repair.

It was in Colorado that he met his forever love, Mary. Jack and Mary were married in 1969 and returned to Breckenridge, Michigan where he took over his father’s insurance agency Briggs Insurance Agency, later to become Breckenridge Insurance Agency. In Breckenridge they made many lifetime friends and had four children Angie, Greg, Jill and Kelli.

In 1987 they moved to Jenison, Michigan where he worked in Insurance and Auto Sales until his retirement.

Jack had 77 years of life and memories on this earth. He loved to fill his time helping people, playing cards, fixing things, spending time at Sandy Pines, attending his grandchildren’s events and dancing with Mary at the Boat Club or American Legion. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and spending time with them brought him immense joy and pride.

Jack leaves behind his wife, Mary; children, Angie (Scott) Briggs Johnson, Greg Briggs, Jill Powell, and Kelli (Rick) Wiltsie; as well as his grandchildren, Bella Johnson, Eme Johnson, Evan Johnson, Dean Wiltsie, Joe Wiltsie, Maddy Powell and Nathan Powell.

Jack is also survived by his sister, Judy Roslund; sister-in-law, Marge Weburg; and nieces and nephews, Scott (Jodi) Roslund, Tricia (Rich) Conflitti, Alice Briggs, and Jennie (Ed) Carroll; and many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, former family members, and cherished friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Doris Briggs; brothers, Larry Briggs and Richard Briggs; and grandson, John Powell.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and Jack’s cremated remains will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  The family is making arrangements for a private memorial to take place this summer.

Should you feel so inclined, memorial donations may be made to I Understand 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jack’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.