doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com JESS BRILEY HAS DIED

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...

Very nice tribute to a real innovator

The best you can do is die in your sleep...and leave a body of work for posterity. RIP.

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.

He was born 4 days before my dad.

I agree, 90 is great. One can't ask for more, but the fountain of youth sure sounds nice!

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.

are we talking the same briley that makes sub ga tubes?

YES

Sorry for our loss...