John Briggs Obituary

John Briggs passed away peacefully on the morning of July 15, 2025 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY, after suffering a series of lengthy illnesses. His wife, caregiver, and the love of his life for the past 28 years, Antoinette Briggs was by his side through it all. John resided in Ithaca, NY for the past 15 years but had spent a considerable part of his life in Hinesville, GA and throughout other parts of the United States. John is survived by his two sons Joshua (Leslie) Briggs and Justin Briggs both of Savannah, GA. He is survived by his step- daughter Beth Pallace (Danby, NY) and four grandchildren whom he loved dearly. John is also survived by his father William (Magdelena) Briggs (Savannah, GA), as well as his honorary parents Ann and Jim Duggan (Oconomowoc, WI), Mother -in - law Carolyn Jackson (Ithaca, NY), and Father - in - law Bob (Brenda) L'Amoreaux of Berkshire, NY. He was predeceased by his mother Doreen L Walden- Briggs (Paris, IL), and sister Cynthia Briggs. John graduated St. John's Northwestern Academies in Delafield, WI where he was a member of the class of 1980. John enlisted in the U.S Army and served from Feb.1984- Jan.1993. He completed tours in Germany and was deployed during the Persian Gulf War. He was an honorable combat P.T.S.D veteran who suffered silently for many years but came to terms with his challenges in the latter part of his life. He talked openly about his experiences to raise awareness and try to help others. He was proud of his service but was also honest about the toll that deployment takes on people, psychologically. John was very friendly. He had a great sense of humor, loved animals, movies, the Georgia Bulldawgs, putting on a nice new shirt and hitting the town, gaming, listening to music, singing- even during his declining health, bible study with his wife, and participated in various men's groups over the years. John was known to strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a very playful sense of humor and loved to call people, "Dear". In 1994, John joined the trucking industry where he met his wife Antoinette and they drove over-the-road together for 15 years. John met so many people over the road and in the military. A few became close friends and these include his best friend, David Minnon (Savannah GA), Glenn and Dawn Creason (Siler City, NC), and Kenneth McMahan "Brother Kenny" of St. Cloud, FL. John always loved to go out and socialize and left behind many friends especially at the Royal Court Restaurant. To all of his friends, especially those that were not named, please raise a glass in his honor for one last, "Cheers! Go Dawgs!" John was a member of the First Baptist Church in West Dandy, NY and there will be a celebration of life for family and friends as well as a private memorial service for the family, in Savannah, GA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local SPCA or humane society, to honor John's love of animals.