James Erman Briscoe, 76, passed from this life at his home in Luther, OK, on July 17, 2018, surrounded by his children and mourned by a host of friends and family. When he was born to Elizabeth Lydia May and Charles Erman Briscoe on May 5, 1942, he planted deep roots in Luther and called it home.
He graduated from Luther High School in 1960 and soon shipped off to the US Marine Corps. He was part of a clandestine operation during the Cuban Missile Crisis in which President John F Kennedy addressed the troops.
Following service to his country, Jim pursued an undergraduate degree at the University of Central Oklahoma and a law degree at Oklahoma City University. He began a successful law practice on Luther’s Main Street and even continued to dole out legal advice until just recently. Well-versed in municipal law, he served as Luther’s Town attorney for many years. He was the only Luther son elected to the legislature, as a Democrat representing House District 96.
He is survived by his loving children, daughter Cassandra (Casie) McEnery, and husband, Tim, of Sausalito, CA, and son, James Travis Briscoe, of Luther; grandchildren, Wyatt James Briscoe, 18, Sienna Jameson Briscoe, 8, and Briscoe Shaw (Beau) McEnery, 4; his former wife of 38 years, Mary Ann Shaw Briscoe, and a loving extended family including cousins, two nieces and very close family friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Charles Lee Briscoe.
Descended from a line that took part in the Oklahoma Land Run, Jimmy treasured the land as a farmer. He was an avid outdoorsman and the founder of the legendary Deer Camp. His family remembers his big smile, gregariousness, contagious laugh, and the passion for which he advocated. His friends remember the many rounds of Pitch, Moon and Dominoes at “Little Brothers,” and how he took at least two days to perfect the brisket for the Independence Day gathering at Lake Hiwassee.
Visitation is Thursday from 4 – 8 pm at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S Kelley, Edmond. A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 20, 11:00 am, at Luther’s First Christian Church where he was a lifelong member. Burial will follow at the Luther Cemetery.
Casie, I won’t be able to make Jim’s services but you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Karen Cook
A fitting tribute. We’ll be there in spirit.
Bonnie & Larry
This is so beautiful. Jimmy will be greatly missed. Praying for his family during this time.
Our thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends. I now he will be missed.
So sorry to hear the news of your dad, he was a great man, and he will be greatly missed, sorry I can not be at the services but my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
I’m sending prayers to Jim’s family. We were classmates for 12 yrs. I remember the good times we had. RIP Jim.
Travis and Casie, the family reunions will not be the same. We will miss him very much but we also have so many great memories. Prayers and love fir you all. I will not ne able to attend nut I believe Jackie wikk be there representing the Smith side if the family.