Briggs, James Jr. Family Heritage Fund (Unrestricted)

Jim began his education at IU, served in France during WWII, and graduated from Harvard. Jim returned to Geneva and at age 25, and he began full time employment for 65 years with the Bank of Geneva until his death in 2011. James served on several boards including the Limberlost Bancshare, the Limberlost Conservation, the Gold Club of the Limberlost, and was an original member on the Board at the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF). The ACCF grew exponentially under his respected leadership into the impactful organization that it is today.

Jim was very proud of his town as he recalls when there was once very little in Geneva. He was proud to be part of all the opportunities to grow and support the community through the Bank of Geneva. He saw the development in employment, street lighting, baseball diamond, library, veterans’ memorial, the community foundation, 4H and more in Geneva.

Jim grew up with a dad who modeled honesty and fairness in a neighborhood where many families were poor and struggling. He watched his community come together through the soup kitchen in Geneva and observed farmers sharing their surplus vegetables. His mother was a Red Cross agent who would have clothes, bedding and food delivered to their home where she would sort the items and distribute them to those in need. His father bought a cow for the neighborhood where the shared tasks benefited all the families involved. Some would milk the cow, others would store the hay, while others fed and cared for the cow. Pioneers and small-town folks did what they could to make life easier.

Jim saw firsthand how people, each doing their part, can make a great impact. Knowing this, Jim and Sara applied this mindset and examples to other areas in this small town and were very active in their community. Jim served on several boards and Sara was passionate about increasing the literacy and well-being of area residents. She is well known for her volunteer service with the library.