BRIGGS

James Earl Briggs II, 20, departed this life Thursday, July 4, 2013. He was born in Covington on Aug. 5, 1992, to Lisa Tate Briggs and James Briggs Sr.

An outstanding student at Northdale Magnet Academy, he graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2011. He was a student at Baton Rouge Community College as well as an employee of Cox Communication. James also was co-owner of Briggs and Sons Lawn Service and Professional Sound.

James had a passion for writing, but his first love was poetry. While pursuing his poetry, he won the Louisiana State finals and went on to compete on a national level. He was a very quiet and humble person, and no matter what, he always had a smile on his face. James will truly be missed by his family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Lisa Tate Briggs of Baton Rouge; his father, James (Natasha) Briggs of Baton Rouge; one brother, DeVonte Callahan; two sisters, Desiree Briggs and Destiny Callahan, all of Baton Rouge; his grandparents, Wardell (Audrey) Tate of Clifton; his step-grandparents, Earl and Barbara Brock of Bogalusa; six uncles, Raymond (Clarissa) Tate of Bogalusa, Donald (Sharon) Briggs of Goodbee, Elder Paul (Virginia) Briggs of Valdosta, Ga., Ronald Briggs of Montgomery, Ala., Michael (Diedra) Briggs of Modesto, Calif., and Roby Brock of Bogalusa; three aunts, Carolyn (Tommy) Allen of Terre Haute Ind., Maxine (Stanley) Campbell of Modesto, Meroyn (Herbert Sr.) Brumfield of Mt. Hermon and Evette (Robert) Hewitte of Bogalusa. A host of cousins, other relatives and many loyal friends will also dearly miss his presence.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lacretta Briggs and Elzie Briggs; an uncle David Briggs; and two sisters, Latisha Briggs and LaKiesha Briggs.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 12 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 5-7 p.m.

The funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. George Butler, pastor, and Elder Paul Briggs officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.crainandsons.com.