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Timeline for Bill James Brierton
Born: June 19, 1943
Died: October 7, 2023
Bill James (“Jamie”) Brierton, Jr.
Jamie Brierton, died peacefully in Green Valley, Arizona, surrounded by his family, on October 7, 2023, at age 80.
Jamie was born on June 19, 1943, in Mangum, Oklahoma, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1965, he graduated from Carson-Newman College, with a degree in English. At Carson-Newman, he was Student Government President, Scribblers (writing) Club President, Vice-President of the Baptist Student Union, a member of Blue Key Honor Society, and ran track and field. He gained national recognition in the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” based on outstanding campus leadership, scholastic ability, leadership on and off campus, and community service.
After graduating college, he joined the CIA for a brief period. Afterward, he joined the Navy as a Lieutenant and became a proud member of SEAL Team One. He served in Vietnam until he was wounded in December, 1968. The injuries led to an honorable discharge with many accommodations from the Navy, including a Purple Heart, and Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for his heroism in combat.
He graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1972, and started his own Probate, Estate Planning and Trust law practice. He developed a passion for Special Needs Trusts assisting persons with disabilities. He also served as a Pro-Tem Judge in San Diego Probate Court, and as Mediator and Arbitrator in over 450 contested probate and trust litigated matters from 1999 until his retirement from practicing law in 2020. He was known in the law community for his calm demeanor, keen intellect, and strong empathy for others.
He led a healthy, active life. He was a triathlete competitor having completed over 100 triathlons, including 16 Ironman triathlons. In 1994, he was captain of the Fleet Feet triathlon racing team in Solana Beach, San Diego. While out on a bike ride with Fleet Feet, he met a teammate who would become his wife of 28 years, Paula. They were married on the Bahia Belle in Mission Bay, San Diego, in 1995.
While residing in San Diego, he was an elder of University Christian Church in Hillcrest, San Diego. He was active in his community having served on boards of ten community social and service agencies.
After retiring from law, he moved from San Diego to Green Valley, Arizona. In retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed cooking vegan meals, exercising, watching football, and keeping up with international and political news.
Throughout his life, Jamie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather (Poppy). His children and grandchildren were his special treasures whom he loved endlessly.
Jamie is survived by his wife, Paula; his daughter, stepdaughter and two granddaughters; Ashley of Los Angeles, Goldie and her husband, Ryan and granddaughters, Remy and Piper, of Dallas, Texas.
Jamie is also survived by his older sister Linda Gwynn of Blairsville, Georgia, his younger brother John Brierton of Sahuarita, Arizona; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Steven Brierton.
Live-streaming of the service will be offered.
Hello my name is Amber Davis. I am in San Diego California. I just went to contact him and saw he had passed so I wanted to come here to offer my condolences to his family. My grandmother was a long time client of his and he was a help to me as well. He was a good man. May he Rest In Peace 🙏🏻
It must have been fate, that Larry and I “re-retired” in Green Valley reconnecting with my cousin Jamie and his wife Paula. After our careers, after our children were reared, after the peak of our athletic endeavors. We spent many relaxing afternoons watching sports including the Tour de France, World Cup Soccer and, of course, football, always treated to a delicious vegan dinner Jamie prepared. One highlight was the cousin reunion hosted by Jamie and Paula in April 2021 with Butch and Chico, Linda and Melinda, and Teresa and me. Jamie was in his happy place planning and preparing the meals - no easy feat. We exchanged war stories from our sporting endeavors - many cycling crashes between the four of us but Paula had us all on the life flight rescue. We laughed now although we have plenty of residual arthritis to show for it. We prayed for a miracle and it was received. But it wasn’t enough - Jamie had one more triathlon to do, one more cousin reunion, one more vegan dish to serve, one more adventure with Paula and especially one more year with his sweet grandbabies Remy and Piper and his beloved dog, Nicholas.
I knew Jamie best as a devoted uncle to my son Jack Brierton, and as a loving brother to John Brierton. He inspired Jack’s love of sports, and of service to our country. Often on Veterans’ Day or Memorial Day, Jamie would tell Jack about his service in Vietnam as a Navy SEAL. Jamie and I loved to talk about the law and about justice. Jamie died as bravely as he lived. His daughter Ashley’s reading at the Memorial service today said it all.
You were a good man Uncle Jamie and I will miss your visits with us here. Peace & Love to all - Jeff
In memory of Bill James "Jamie" Brierton Jr, Laurie Brown lit a candle
Dear Jamie, your legacy of love for family and service to country and community is bright and enduring. I admired you all my life and feel so lucky to be cousins with you. My condolences to all who knew and loved you. Teresa (Terry)
The person of a man may go, but the best part of him stays. It stays forever. I saw this quote and I said to myself this is how I feel about Jamie, one of the finest human being that I have ever met and had the pleasure to know for over 30 plus years. So truly sad to hear of his passing. Jamie will be forever in my heart. Love to you Paula, Goldie and family.
Paula, Our heart felt prayers and thought's for you and the family. I know you'll hold all the great memories you shared with Jamie close in your heart.
I am extremely honored to have ever worked with Jamie. I honestly cannot think of enough kind and wonderful things to say about this man. Jamie brought peace when he walked into a room. His warm smile, calm voice, and sweet demeanor just simply, won. Every time. He will be unfathomably missed. Paula, I wish I could hug you. My heart is with you. Goldie, I’ll keep in touch…love you girl… in the meantime, Its an IPA or two for Jamie. Ladies, I send Lots of love and healing your way…
A most kind gentleman who lived a humble life and loved his country! He loved swimming daily in college and made it through BUDS to become a Navy Seal! He will be missed!
I admired Jamie for his wisdom and gentle demeanor. I will remember his smile and sense of humor.
My dearest Paula, I can’t even begin thank tell you how close I feel to you both in such a short time. I see Jamie sitting on the couch, with his arms spread, while we’re just cackling away. He was such a gentle man, sweet and such a great vegan chef. No matter the time, my heart hurts for you. Fill the hole in your heart with your memories. I love you,
Peace to the family and friends of Jamie Brierton. Robert and Lydia Burton, Carson Newman 64
What a wonderful legacy! From Pat Fox Adams, CN CLASSMATE.
My precious Uncle Jamie! He lived life well and was an inspiration to so many of us. As a little girl, I was so facsinated by him and his stories. As an adult, in awe of him for his accomplishments, his humility, his wisdom, his cooking! He left his mark on so many. ❤️
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a casual Celebration of Life gathering following the service at 2419 E. Wrightson View Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614, from 2-5pm.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Hello my name is Amber Davis. I am in San Diego California. I just went to contact him and saw he had passed so I wanted to come here to offer my condolences to his family. My grandmother was a long time client of his and he was a help to me as well. He was a good man. May he Rest In Peace 🙏🏻
It must have been fate, that Larry and I “re-retired” in Green Valley reconnecting with my cousin Jamie and his wife Paula. After our careers, after our children were reared, after the peak of our athletic endeavors. We spent many relaxing afternoons watching sports including the Tour de France, World Cup Soccer and, of course, football, always treated to a delicious vegan dinner Jamie prepared. One highlight was the cousin reunion hosted by Jamie and Paula in April 2021 with Butch and Chico, Linda and Melinda, and Teresa and me. Jamie was in his happy place planning and preparing the meals - no easy feat. We exchanged war stories from our sporting endeavors - many cycling crashes between the four of us but Paula had us all on the life flight rescue. We laughed now although we have plenty of residual arthritis to show for it. We prayed for a miracle and it was received. But it wasn’t enough - Jamie had one more triathlon to do, one more cousin reunion, one more vegan dish to serve, one more adventure with Paula and especially one more year with his sweet grandbabies Remy and Piper and his beloved dog, Nicholas.
I knew Jamie best as a devoted uncle to my son Jack Brierton, and as a loving brother to John Brierton. He inspired Jack’s love of sports, and of service to our country. Often on Veterans’ Day or Memorial Day, Jamie would tell Jack about his service in Vietnam as a Navy SEAL. Jamie and I loved to talk about the law and about justice. Jamie died as bravely as he lived. His daughter Ashley’s reading at the Memorial service today said it all.
You were a good man Uncle Jamie and I will miss your visits with us here. Peace & Love to all - Jeff
In memory of Bill James "Jamie" Brierton Jr, Laurie Brown lit a candle
Dear Jamie, your legacy of love for family and service to country and community is bright and enduring. I admired you all my life and feel so lucky to be cousins with you. My condolences to all who knew and loved you. Teresa (Terry)
The person of a man may go, but the best part of him stays. It stays forever. I saw this quote and I said to myself this is how I feel about Jamie, one of the finest human being that I have ever met and had the pleasure to know for over 30 plus years. So truly sad to hear of his passing. Jamie will be forever in my heart. Love to you Paula, Goldie and family.
Paula, Our heart felt prayers and thought's for you and the family. I know you'll hold all the great memories you shared with Jamie close in your heart.
I am extremely honored to have ever worked with Jamie. I honestly cannot think of enough kind and wonderful things to say about this man. Jamie brought peace when he walked into a room. His warm smile, calm voice, and sweet demeanor just simply, won. Every time. He will be unfathomably missed. Paula, I wish I could hug you. My heart is with you. Goldie, I’ll keep in touch…love you girl… in the meantime, Its an IPA or two for Jamie. Ladies, I send Lots of love and healing your way…
A most kind gentleman who lived a humble life and loved his country! He loved swimming daily in college and made it through BUDS to become a Navy Seal! He will be missed!
I admired Jamie for his wisdom and gentle demeanor. I will remember his smile and sense of humor.
My dearest Paula, I can’t even begin thank tell you how close I feel to you both in such a short time. I see Jamie sitting on the couch, with his arms spread, while we’re just cackling away. He was such a gentle man, sweet and such a great vegan chef. No matter the time, my heart hurts for you. Fill the hole in your heart with your memories. I love you,
Peace to the family and friends of Jamie Brierton. Robert and Lydia Burton, Carson Newman 64
What a wonderful legacy! From Pat Fox Adams, CN CLASSMATE.
My precious Uncle Jamie! He lived life well and was an inspiration to so many of us. As a little girl, I was so facsinated by him and his stories. As an adult, in awe of him for his accomplishments, his humility, his wisdom, his cooking! He left his mark on so many. ❤️
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.