Dr. James Allen Briley

Dr. James Allen Briley, aged 85, passed away on August 30, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Janet, along with 3 children (Jody, Paul and Kristi), 6 grandchildren (Sean, Jessie, Emmie, Berkley, Briley and Jack) and 2 sons-in-law (David and Alfie). His pleasures in life were church, spending time with his family, singing, the performing arts, fishing and sports (New York Yankees and Auburn (War Eagle!) and most recently..bingo. He also enjoyed swimming and playing ping pong, a game in which he was quite efficient. He had a house on Bluff Creek where he enjoyed a lot of his family time. Along the still and quiet waters, he often found himself alone with God and he valued that most of all.

Jim started out his life in Tarrant City. He was born on August 27th to Sarah and Lk Briley. His parents deserve a mention here, as their guidance was loving and firm (but not overly strict) and instrumental in the strong person he would become. His mother, "Mama Sarah," was a very kind, penny-pinching and hilarious person, who kept us laughing all the time. His dad, "Pop,"was also very kind. He was a draftsman and electrician at a local mine and he flew missions with an aviation group in the Air Force during World War 1.

Jim's big personality was evident from a very young age. As quick-witted as they come, he often had people in hysterics.Even the most steadfast clergy were delighted with his "mildly inappropriate" humor. As an 11th grader at Tarrant High School, Jim obeyed his teachers assignment of memorizing a Bible verse. After going home and researching Bible verses, he was thrilled to find the shortest one. The next day, he couldn't wait to stand and recite the verse. When the teacher called his name, he stood and offered up this verse; "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). The classroom erupted in laughter, (a common occurrence throughout his life that continued into his teaching career) however, the teacher wasn't as amused. This example of Jim's humor and impact on people is only an illustration of his life's work. Jim influenced people's lives along a positive path his entire life.

His education continued after High School, earning a bachelor's degree at Samford University (1957-1960). He earned a master's degree from Auburn (1960-1961) and his PhD from Alabama (1970-1973). He began working at Jefferson State JC as a psychology instructor in 1966 (to 2000) and earned the following: Outstanding Faculty Member, Phi Theta Kappa Faculty Scholar Award.

He had a tremendously successful Independent Counseling Practice that began in 1975 and continued to the end of his life. There's so much more that could be said about Jim, but maybe one of the best things to say is that he walked through this life like a champion. Jim, your friends and family love you dearly. Until we meet again.