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1 members (GETTEMANS),
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Key:
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4 |
In 1927 while America was busy celebrating the epic flight from New York to Paris by the Spirit of St Louis, Jess Briley was born in some invisible town in west Texas, the youngest in a family of four children whose parents scratched out a living building roads with mule drawn equipment, human muscle and sheer perseverance. Jess’s early history included experience working in a cabinet shop as a teenager. During his early adulthood he worked as a rough neck in west Texas as well as off shore. Later, he finally settled down in Houston where he worked for multiple manufacturing companies, never seeming to stay too long in one particular place as opportunities for a person with his skill set were plentiful. He loved his work but often was frustrated as his bosses rarely appreciated his imagination on how to do things. People with great imaginations frequently have an unrealistic perception of reality and are simply not afraid to fail. Some of them go for it, some fail, some succeed. Some start businesses, some become great authors and others create significant art. For Jess Briley his moment came when he discovered clay target shooting, more specifically speaking “Skeet” in the mid 1970’s. Unable to afford all the equipment he needed, he built his own 28 gauge barrel for his Winchester 101 out of water pipe and scrap iron. That led to the development of the company known as Briley Manufacturing which celebrated its 46th anniversary this year. In the end, he exited during the greatest flood in American history when he died suddenly of natural causes, avoiding the terror of disease that can devastate a family. Perhaps, Jess is the luckiest man who ever existed. He lived the dream with all its ups and downs. He particularly loved spending time with a couple of his grandkids that joined our company. He enjoyed a great relationship with his friends and caregivers. He left behind two daughters, employees, and a lifelong partner who will miss his 1927 spirit, his fearlessness and his eternal sense of optimism. So long Jess...
Last edited by Stallones; 09/01/17 04:35 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,119 Likes: 93
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,119 Likes: 93 |
Very nice tribute to a real innovator
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,164 Likes: 319
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,164 Likes: 319 |
The best you can do is die in your sleep...and leave a body of work for posterity. RIP.
Baluch are not Brahui, Brahui are Baluch
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,038 Likes: 48
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,038 Likes: 48 |
That's quite the effusive obit.
Briley founded a company that does exceedingly accurate machine work.
I've used their products and services for years.
Jess was apparently a member of the 'greatest generation' as was my dad.
90 ain't bad.
I'm shooting his chokes tomorrow.
"The price of good shotgunnery is constant practice" - Fred Kimble
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,491 Likes: 396
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,491 Likes: 396 |
He was born 4 days before my dad.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,983 Likes: 106
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,983 Likes: 106 |
I agree, 90 is great. One can't ask for more, but the fountain of youth sure sounds nice!
Socialism is almost the worst.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,730 Likes: 488
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,730 Likes: 488 |
I met him at The Lordship Remington Great Eastern in 1976 or 1977. Real easy fellow to talk with and he was very interesting. I don't think he was shooting the 101 by then I think he had a Browning Superposed with about 34" .410 barrels which were choked so tight every hit was a ink ball. Sad to hear he has passed but at home suddenly, at his age, has a lot going for it as a way to go. Rest easy and bless his family.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 547
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 547 |
are we talking the same briley that makes sub ga tubes?
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,815 Likes: 4 |
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15,456 Likes: 86 |
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