James Briggs, age 82, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 2, 2026. Born on November 28, 1943, James was a lifelong resident of Ashland, a community he loved and called home his entire life.
A man of immense work ethic and dedication, James learned the value of hard work early in life, laboring on farms as a boy. His natural talents shone bright at a young age; as a 12-year-old, he was recognized as one of the best Little League baseball players in the country. That early discipline translated into a successful career, first working for F.E. Myers & Bro. Company in Ashland, and later serving as a Sales Manager at Prudential. Through meticulous attention to detail and unwavering principles, James led his Prudential office to rank among the top-performing branches nationwide.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, James found his greatest joy in the outdoors and in his family. An avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer, he cherished the time he spent passing these passions down, taking the time to teach both his children and grandchildren the finer points of the sports he loved.
James was a principled, hardworking man who raised his children and mentored his grandchildren through patience, encouragement, and a signature touch of tough love. Over time, that tough-minded discipline softened into a tender, overflowing love—a transformation brought out most profoundly by his great-grandchildren. In his final years, James shed more tears of love, warmth, and gratitude than in the seven decades prior, leaving a legacy of deep family devotion.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Donna Briggs; his daughters, Stephanie (Todd) Crone of Michigan and Tonia (Bill) Armstrong of North Carolina; his grandchildren, Steven (Ashley) Crone, Jay (Taylor) Crone, Carly Mowry, Tyler Crone (fiancée Ellie Guijosa), and Colton (Katie) Mowry; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Sophia Mowry, Samuel Crone, Stella Oswalt, Matthew Crone, Hunter Crone, Cameron Crone, Logan Crone, Rowan Crone, Claire Crone, and Briggs Mowry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathryn Briggs; his siblings, Norma Briggs, Charlie Briggs, and Barb Whisler; his son, Jeffrey Briggs; and his grandchildren, Clayton Mowry, Kai Crone, and Isaiah Crone.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad St, Ashland, OH 44805. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 501 Cottage St, Ashland, OH 44805. Burial will follow at Ashland Cemetery, 523 W Main St, Ashland, OH 44805, with a luncheon to follow at St. Edward’s Hall, located on the church grounds.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’s memory to the Ashland Special Olympics or the Ashland Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be left for the Briggs family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: heylfuneralhome.com