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Martinsville High School Alumni
| Class of 1956 |
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| Jim Brigman, Obit - 3 |
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04/28/25
Esther Sparks Powell
(1956)
bhpowell36@yahoo.com
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I am so sad to learn of the passing of Jim Brigman. He was a really good guy and a loyal "Old Dawg." He and his wife, Esther, attended many of our class reunions and also the "Old Dawgs," too. I always looked forward to, and enjoyed talking to both of them. I recall the first one that they came to, I think it may have been the 20th or 25th. Jim had changed so much that I didn't recognize him at all. Except for his name tag, I'd never have guessed who he was (he had matured so). I jokingly told him that I did not believe he was Jim Brigman. He drew himself up to maximum height, puffed out his chest, and declared, "Well, I KNOW I AM SO...and I've got my own ESTHER to prove it."
My deepest sympathy to Jim"s family and especially to his sister, Merle Duffy.
ames Brigman Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory - Villa Rica Chapel on Apr. 23, 202
James Leslie Brigman, 86, of Villa Rica, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Jim was born on June 19, 1938 in Bassett, Virginia to the late Hazeltine Barker Brigman, and Roy McMillan Brigman. Throughout his life, he exemplified the qualities of a devoted family man, a committed member of the United States Air Force, and a dedicated respected member of the Fairfield Plantation community. Jim was known as the best father in the world and the coolest dad by his two children. Beyond being a cherished parent, he was an avid golfer and a talented athlete having played football, baseball, and basketball during high school and college. He graduated from Martinsville High School, a proud "Bulldog," in 1956. Jim attended Lafayette College on a music scholarship for two years and then the University of the Philippines where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. He continued his education at the University of Missouri earning his MBA. His love of sports made him an avid UGA Bulldog fan and Atlanta Braves fan.
His passion for knowledge was evident from his extensive college of books.
In addition to his personal achievements, Jim had a remarkable career in the Air Force, where he proudly served our country for 30 years. He began his service as an enlisted Airman in September 1958 and retired as a Colonel in September 1988. He was assigned to various places such as Texas, Missouri, Maryland, Alabama, California, Hawaii, Philippines, Scotland, Germany, South Korea, and Greece. Some of Jim's duties included being a Morse intercept operator, Minuteman Missile Launch Officer, Signal Intelligence Officer, Armed Forces Courier, and as an Intelligence Staff Officer. His highly decorated career was a testament to his character and demonstrated his courage, commitment and honor.
Jim was also an active member of the Fairfield neighborhood community, where he made a significant impact on the lives of his neighbors and friends alike. He served on the HOA board and was a member of various other committees.
As a member of Midway Church, he found strength in his faith - he embraced the values of kindness, generosity, and compassion, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.
James Leslie Brigman will be remembered not only for his extraordinary accomplishments but for the warmth and love he shared with his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Nyree (Rory) Aitken of Angus, Scotland; son and daughter-in-law, Patrick (Cookie) Brigman of Villa Rica; sisters and brother-in-law, Merle B. Duffy of Collinsville, Virginia, Bonnie (Joe McCoy) Brigman of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Beryl Mehurg (Harold) or Wilmington, North Carolina; brother and sister-in-law, Barry (Mary Lou) Brigman of Wilmington, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Jasper, Calum, Leo, Georgia, Jordan, Andrew and Randy Joe; one great grandchild, Logan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Nora Ann McGee Brigman; and second wife Esther Moore Brigman.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 1:00PM until 2:00PM at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Villa Rica Chapel. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00PM on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Villa Rica Chapel.
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