Jeremy R. Briles, 36

Jeremy Robert Briles — “Jer” to those who knew and loved him — passed away on May 25, far too soon. He was 36 years old.

Jeremy was born on May 30, 1989, in Whitefish, to Windy Shoemaker and Robert Briles. He grew up in Columbia Falls and Kalispell, where he was, by all accounts, always a goofy kid — a trait he never grew out of and never apologized for.

He later moved to Alaska, where he met his wife, Kylie. Together they built a life and a family, raising three children: Jordan (14), Kinzley (11), and Jaxon (8). His daughter Kinzley — his “sweet pea” — had him wrapped around her finger, and he loved passing his passions on to his boys, teaching Jordan and Jaxon to love baseball right alongside him. He was a devoted Seattle Mariners fan through and through.

Jeremy was a hardworking man who took such good care of his family, doing everything he could to provide for Kylie and their kids and to make sure they always felt loved.

He lived for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and camping were constant throughout his life, and in recent years fly fishing became his newest and greatest passion. As an adult, his humor never dimmed — flipping people the bird was, in true Jer fashion, simply his love language.

Jeremy looked up to his grandpa George and loved him dearly. We take comfort in knowing the two of them are together again in paradise, doing all the things they loved.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dick Briles and George Shoemaker; his grandmother, Dianne; and his Aunt Vikkie.

Jeremy is survived by his wife, Kylie, and their three children, Jordan, Kinzley, and Jaxon; his mother and stepfather, Windy and Mike; his sisters, Courtni and her husband Daniel (and nephews Declan and Banks), Tiffani (and nephew Ryder), and Kaelynn (and nephew Parker); his father and stepmother, Rob and Julie; his brother, Justin, and sister, Juliet; his grandparents, Bev and Gary; his stepfather from childhood, Dave, his wife Amanda and their children; his grandma Linda; his uncle David and aunt Kari and cousins Kyle and Brittani; cousins Lacey, Alex, and Jacob; his aunt Amy and aunt Holly; and cousins Ashlynn, Zachary, and Hannah.

He will be deeply missed by countless friends and family across Montana, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Texas.

Husband. Father. Son. Brother. Nephew. Grandson. Cousin. Uncle. Friend.

Rest easy, Jer — til we see you again.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18.