James E. Brigman

James Eutice Brigman, 77, of Rockingham, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at his home. Mr. Brigman was born August 15, 1939 in Richmond County, a son of the late John Wesley and Mary Lucille Franklin Brigman. Working hard was instilled in James at a young age, picking peas and butterbeans at age 3, driving a tractor, discing and cultivating crops at age 7, there was little time for playing or school sports. In high school he was a bus driver and upon graduating, worked for Yates Grocery until he enlisted in the US Navy in May of 1960. He spent 20 years serving his country, serving on four surface ships, three submarines and three shore stations. He also was an instructor, teaching line officers to become supply officers aboard small ships. His final tour was as an inventory/financial management auditor for Commander Surface Forces, US Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA. He made the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest enlisted rank, in a record time of 13 years. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Following his retirement from the US Navy, he attended college to receive degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. During college, he worked as office manager at Yates Heating and Air Conditioning. Later he worked as Purchasing and Warehouse Manager for Owens Illinois and as Plant Manager for Nano Fibers. He was also a member of the Tuscarora Indian Nation, with the Indian name of Standing Bear. He was also a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Scott Brigman and a great grandchild, Mary-Ann Helen Frey. Surviving are his wife, Patty Richardson Brigman of the home; children, Tina Brigman Wallace (Bryan) of Rockingham, James E. Brigman, Jr. (Lori) of Rockingham, John Brigman (Katsumi) of Sasebo, Japan; grandchildren, Michael Wallace, Corey Wallace, Jade Morrison (Trenton), Lauren Faith Brigman, Felicia Frey (Cody), Dustin Brigman, Brittney Brigman, Dakota Brigman, Yuuki Brigman; 10 great grandchildren and sister Betty Faye Burgess (Henry) of Rockingham. Funeral services will be at 2 pm Friday, August 26, 2016 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Tommy Butler officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in the church cemetery. The family will see friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham and at other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 1247 Sandhills Rd., Rockingham, NC 28379.