John W. Briggs

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable man,

John Wert Briggs, who peacefully passed away on July 2, 2026, at the age of 86.

John was born on April 8, 1940, in Prescott, Kansas, to Alpha “Dolly” and

Russell Briggs, where he embarked on a life filled with adventures that could

have rivaled those of Tom Sawyer.

At the age of 14, John moved to Wapato, where he met the love of his life, his

beautiful bride—his “Red Hen”—Norma Jean Smith. They were married in 1966

and renewed their vows in 1991 at the very church both of their families had been

instrumental in establishing, and where they had first met. John often spoke

about how, when his dad got home from work, they would head over to the

church and do a little more building.

Before marrying, John graduated as a member of the first class from the new

Wapato High School in 1958. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States

Air Force, where he proudly served from 1961 to 1965. He then spent a year

(1965–1966) at YVCC studying sheet metal fabrication and welding. Later, he

attended Bible college in Springfield, Missouri, from 1970 to 1974, where he

majored in Theology.

John was a jack of many trades, but he spent most of his career as a welder and

fabricator. He loved sharing stories of his welding adventures. He helped build

many of the schools throughout the Yakima Valley, contributed to the

construction and expansion of Memorial Hospital, and was especially proud of

building the goalposts at the Wapato football field honoring Dr. Dan Doornink. His

favorite story to tell, though, was about the secret tunnel he helped build—if you

know, you know.

John spent many years serving as an assistant pastor and worship leader for

the Folgers Soldiers. He loved helping people come to the Lord and grow in their

understanding of Scripture. He touched countless lives and led many to Christ.

Above all, John cherished the time he spent with his boys—dirt biking, going to

the shooting range, building cars, teaching them trades, and helping them with

projects. Those moments were among his greatest joys.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Norma; his sons, Jeff, Michael, and Brad

(Heather); his grandchildren, Cody (Daniela), Casey (Brooke), Caleb, Taos, Cordy,

Lilly (Santiago), Gracie (Athziri), Charlotte, Rebecka, and Thomas; his great-

grandchildren, Ali, Jennifer, and Penelope; his siblings, Jim (Pearl), Ruth, David,

and Donna (Gary); and his sister-in-law, Kathie Briggs.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Alpha “Dolly” and Russell Briggs;

his brothers, Eddie and Daniel; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Briggs; his sister-in-

law, Caryl; his brother-in-law, Len Dighton; his nephews, Michael Dighton and

Devon Briggs; and his friend, Bradley Huff.

The Briggs family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his pastors

and their families in Christ: Pastor Daryel McCay (Tina), Pastor Filberto Cosina

(Rosa), and the staff at Mountain View Home Health, especially Tiffany, Nicole,

and Dave; the MultiCare Hospice team, especially his left-handed Wildcat, Maria;

and the Visiting Angels team, especially Rhonda Prouse, who not only took

wonderful care of John but also loved him—and all of us—through the most

difficult time of our lives, becoming an honorary member of our family. We would

also like to thank Doug and Debra Rowlan for their unwavering support, generous

help, and the treasured memories created through the vintage car rides they

shared with John.

Though John is no longer with us, his love, kindness, unwavering faith, and

cherished memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

~Matthew 25:23

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been

faithful over a few things, I will make thee a ruler over many things: enter thou

into the joy of thy lord.”