John "Jack" Briggs

John "Jack" Briggs
October 25, 2014

Matching the gracefulness of his flying, John R. "Jack" Briggs, Jr. piloted from this life on October 25, 2014. He and his twin Margaret were born on August 3, 1921, in Ashburnham, MA., the fourth and fifth of six children of John R. Briggs, Sr. and Etta Fillebrown Briggs. In his youth he was an Eagle Scout, as were his brothers, Channing and Richard, and he later spent many years in the leadership of the Boy Scouts. After graduating from Cushing Academy in 1939, he trained as a machinist. He served his country with the United States Navy as an accomplished aviator and flight instructor during WWII.

In June 1952, he married the love of his life, Margaret "Peg" M. Hogg; they recently celebrated 62 years together. Their progeny includes six children, Rick and his spouse Mary Sanderson of Rochester, NY, Belinda and her spouse Glenn Shimamoto of Montclair, NJ, Larry and his spouse Lynn of Spokane, WA, Mike and his spouse Sue of Atlanta, GA, Mandy and her spouse Joe Drake of Manlius, NY and John R. III of Cicero, NY. Jack and Peg delighted in their twelve grandchildren.

During an impressive 33 year career with Sears, Roebuck and Co., the high standards that he held for himself and his work earned the respect of all who knew him as a manager and colleague. His retirement was filled with his love of family, and so many celebratory occasions, large and small. Retirement also brought a renewed dedication to flying. With the wonderful bonds of friendship made of shared passion for flight, he built an RV-4 airplane, exhibiting his skill, precision, and patience as a craftsman. People from all walks of life learned to fly under his guidance, and those who flew with him knew his commitment to safety, flight discipline and absolute joy for being in the air.

A writer and conversationalist of remarkable ability, he provided so many friends and family members with laughter, insight, and wisdom. This is part of his enduring legacy, perhaps best expressed through his memoir "No Two Alike."

The family wishes to extend special appreciation to his caregivers, notably Hospice of CNY. Donations to them, at www.hospicecny.org or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), at www.eaa.org or another charity of your choice, would please Jack immensely.

A memorial service will be 3pm on Saturday at New Comer Funeral Home, North Syracuse.

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