James Malcom Brier, Iii

James Malcolm Brier III, 89, died October 6th, 2012 with his family by his side. Jim was born April 19, 1923 in Topeka, the son of Dorothy (Coe) and James Malcolm Brier, Jr.
Jim grew up with two younger brothers, John and Steve. Both preceded him death. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, and wife of 67 years, Joanne (Wallace) Brier; 3 daughters, Nancy Liesmann (George), Susan Killough (Scott), Lisa Gordon (Mike); 5 grandchildren, Katie, Betsy, Amelia, James, and Molly; 2 great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Clara.
Jim graduated from Topeka High in 1942, where he was captain of the football team and King of the All School Party, and where he had many fond memories of good friends. After high school he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where he lettered in football. He left Minnesota to serve in the U.S. Army, in the 89th Chemical Mortar Battalion during WWII. He served in Holland, France, and Germany, which included the Rhine River crossing. After the war, he joined his father at Brier Insurance Agency, while finishing his degree in Business at the University of Kansas. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and he graduated in 1949.
Jim was co-owner of Brier Insurance for over 50 years. He was an active member of the Topeka community. He was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Trustee. Jim served as President of Stormont-Vail Board of Trustees in 1966-67, and continued to be a member of the board until the time of his death. Over the years he served as Chairman of The Shawnee County Heart Fund, Director of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, and board of the Topeka Blood Bank. He was President of the Topeka Insurers Association and headed the Kansas University Alumni Association in Topeka. Jim was active with the YMCA where he served as board president. He was also involved with the Rotary Club and the Topeka Country Club, and he served on both boards.
Jim enjoyed hunting, hand-ball, photography and reading, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Jim spent many summers throughout his life with family at Lake Okoboji, Iowa. Jim was best known for his ability to find humor in any situation. He was a loyal friend and a devoted family man. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka, Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison Topeka, KS 66612, or Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle Topeka, KS 66606.