1942-2018
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 friends and family. When he was born to Elizabeth Lydia May and Charles Erman Briscoe on May 5, 1942, he set 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 will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home. 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.
Memorial video can be viewed at the link below.
Jim was a great man and he will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.