In Loving Memory of Jack Briscoe 1955-2002


This memorial website was created in the memory of my brother, Jack Briscoe. Jack was born in Visalia, California on April 9th, 1955. Less than two years later I came along, his only sibling. Jack was a wonderful big brother, always keeping an eye out on his little sis. We were different in so many ways, but still as close as siblings could be. We had a wonderful mom who loved us so much that it felt like nothing in the world could touch us. And so it was for almost 47 years. Then on March 19th, 2002, Jack died of a sudden and massive heart attack. His big, wonderful heart literally exploded. There was nothing to be done; he was gone before the paramedics arrived.

That was the day that our world changed forever. Even seven years later it seems unreal. Losing Jack profoundly changed mom and me. In mom's case it broke her heart so badly that within seven months she would join her beloved son in heaven. While I carry a great sadness over losing my mom, I know why she went. She and Jack were as close as mother and son could be. I used to joke that they never really cut the umbilical cord. It brings me some peace to think that they're together somewhere, and waiting for me to join them. For this reason I don't fear death and when my time comes, I'll be so overjoyed to see them again.

Of course Jack didn't just leave me, he had a wife (Mary) and two children, his son Jack J. and daughter Sara. He also had one grandbaby, Adrianna.

Jack J. was 24 when his dad died. I remember when I first saw my brother holding his own son. That was the day that I realized we were actually grown up. No matter what the years would bring, (sorry nephew, but you weren't the easiest child), Jack loved his son with all his heart. Jack Marshall owned his own roofing company and Jack J. worked for him, so they saw each other almost every day. Suddenly his father and his job were gone. Jack J. was just settling into manhood and fatherhood and his role model was gone. I regret that his dad didn't get to see the kind of man he's become. I think their relationship would have deepened even more.

Sara was 22 when her daddy left. Jack had called me 'Sissy' and once Sara was born he often called her 'Sissy' also. I remember being at his house and him calling out for 'Sissy' and me calling back 'Which Sissy do you mean?'. Jack loved having a little girl and I know that Sara had him wrapped around her little finger. Once she was grown and out of the house one of his great pleasures was meeting her for lunch.

That he didn't live to walk her down the aisle at her wedding or to hold his granddaughter Mia breaks my heart. He would love the man she married, Bob Modaff, and Mia would have grandpa wrapped around her little finger, just like her mama.

Jack's first grand daughter, Adrianna, was only 15 months old when he left us.

Jack's two other grand daughters, Mia and Phoenix, were born after his death. We hope to teach all his little girls about the wonderful man who was, and is, their grandpa Jack.





Jack loved his Classic Rock and Roll!