Captain Briggs died of a heart attack while exercising December 14, 2004.
While on-duty the day before, Briggs complained of physical discomfort he thought to be Gastro Esophagel Reflux Disease after participating in strenuous physical activity. This training was for the Firefighter Combat Challenge, an activity required by the fire department.
He had also answered at least one alarm and an emergency medical patient care training activity.
The Idaho Falls Post Register Obituary: William Jess "Bill" Briggs, 52, of Idaho Falls died Dec. 14, 2004, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of a heart attack.He was born April 20, 1952, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to William and Teresa Beard Briggs. He grew up in Menan and graduated from Rigby High School in 1970. He earned an associate's degree as a dental technician at Eastern Idaho
Vocational College. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Greece during the Vietnam War.
On May 3, 1975, he married Peggy Gerard in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He worked as a firefighter at the INEEL for 19 years and taught fire prevention awareness in elementary schools.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various positions.
He enjoyed biking with his best friends, Kevin Voyles and Garth Barrow, and he was a wonderful father, husband and friend to all.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy Briggs; daughters, Amy, Debi, Jessica and Hollie Briggs, all of Idaho Falls; brother, David Lynn (Jeanie) Briggs of Rigby; and sisters, Linda Rigoulot of Grant, Margaret Morgan of Idaho Falls, Kathleen Fitch and Krisann Hughs. He was preceded in death by his father.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., today, Dec. 17, at the Iona 6th LDS Ward, 914 N. Crimson Drive, with Bishop Wade Bernell Gordon officiating. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery, under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, with military rites by the Bonneville County veteran's team.
