James Harlan Brier, 95 of Crawfordsville passed away at Bickford Senior Living.

Jim was born in Brighton City, Iowa, to Edna and Rexford Brier on July 28, 1921. He joins his loving wife, Doris Ruth Brier, who passed away January 2, 2016. He is survived by his daughter Cathy Coffing; son Michael (Cheryl) Brier; grandchildren, Stacy Brier (Kevin O'Brien), Sarah (Jeremy) Barnes, Kacy Brier, Brandon Jones, Riley Coffing and Caleb Coffing: great- grandchildren, Sophia Brier-Heimbach, Harley Brier-O'Brien, Zander Brier-O'Brien, Jaxon Jones, Beckett Jones, Benson Jones and Kennedy Coffing. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Earl and Ruby Elliott and sister-in-law Wilma (Donald) Vaught.

A WWII Navy veteran, Jim participated in the North African, Italian and Pacific campaigns before being admitted to Wabash College in the V12 officer training program. Upon completion of his military commitment, he and Doris opened photography studios in Burlington, Iowa, and Crawfordsville, IN before going to work for Raybestos Manhattan. He retired from Raybestos in January, 1985, after 30+ years serving in many roles including Factory Superintendent.  After retirement, he and Doris reopened his photography studio in Crawfordsville. He was active in the Optimist Club, Crawfordsville Little League program and served on the Boys Club Board of Directors.

Jim and Doris sponsored several foster children in the late 1940's and early 1950's before Michael and Cathy's arrival. Being an only child, he loved the family get- togethers and holiday events associated with Doris' (Elliott) family of 9 brothers and sisters. Christmas Eve celebrations with Ruby and Earl Elliott and our extended families brought special joy for 60 years.

A private family gathering was held in his honor on Sunday, April 9 ^th .

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in James' honor to The Boys and Girls Club of Montgomery County @ 1001 Whitlock Avenue, Crawfordsville IN 47933 or the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County @ 1104 Big Four Arch Road , Crawfordsville IN 47933.