of Little Rock, AR
August 26, 1965 - September 1, 2025
John ''John Alec'' Monroe Briggs (60) passed away in his home in Little Rock on September 1, 2025. John was born August 26, 1965, to James Ira and Frances Elizabeth Kidd Briggs and grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas. John's musical ambitions became apparent at the age of four when he could be found on a ladder in the yard with his hymnal open and singing at the top of his lungs while conducting the ''choir'' of hedgerows. He then began his illustrious musical career accompanying the choirs at Central Junior High and Hot Springs High School while attending each school. During his undergraduate years at Ouachita Baptist University, where he majored in organ performance, he became the first and only male member of the Ouachi-tones, a female show choir as their accompanist.
A perpetual student of his craft, John went on to Louisiana State University after his time at Ouachita to earn his Master of Vocal Performance. He also received a Master of Voice Pedagogy, awarded with distinction from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey; a Master of Education in Music from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, New York; and pursued a Doctorate in Education in College Music Teaching with a concentration in voice pedagogy from Teachers College, Columbia University.
John created three cabaret shows celebrating The Great American Songbook, Six Degrees from Mercer, Six More Degrees from Mercer, and Six Degrees from Arlen, that he performed in New York and on cruise ships worldwide. All were selected as ''must see shows of the week'' by Time Out New York magazine. In 2011, he joined the faculty at Ouachita Baptist University, where he taught applied voice, co-directed the opera program, and directed in the music theatre program.
He worked as an organist for various churches in Arkansas and New York City, perhaps none more beloved to him than his time at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Little Rock, where he retired in 2024.
In addition to his numerous musical accolades, John also received a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and was an Associate in the American Institute of Architects. His combined degrees in music and architecture earned him the job of redesigning and overseeing the installation of the new pipe organ for St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in New York City. That organ supplied the music for the funeral of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
His architectural thesis, The Theatre and the City, was completed in residence in Venice, Italy, and explored building a modern addition to the city's historic La Fenice opera house. He served as a design assistant on numerous touring musicals and on Broadway, including How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jekyll & Hyde, Of Mice and Men, Lizzie Borden, Rex, and Debbie Allen's Brothers of the Knight. His television production credits include Gala for the President at Ford's Theatre, The Daytime Emmy Awards, and The Miss America Pageant.
John began attending the Sewanee Church Music Conference in the 2010s, where he made many lifelong friends and was a lifetime member of the Society for SCMC.
John is preceded in death by his beloved husband, Herbert Seilberger; his parents, James and Frances Briggs; and his brother, Dr. Thomas Briggs. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Cheryl Briggs, and her children, Melissa and Amy; his brother and sister-in-law, James Briggs, Jr. and Robin Briggs, and their children, James Ira Briggs, III, Nyssa MacManus (and spouse, Tarquin), and Jenna Briggs; his sister and brother-in-law, Nan and Tim Woodsome, their children, Tyler Woodsome, Samantha Pantenburg (and spouse, Brett), and grandchildren Caitlynn and Emma Pantenburg, and Nolan Woodsome; and his twin sister and brother-in-law Jann and Dallas Arnold, and their children Sarah Yelenich (and spouse, Dylan), Ashley Guberina (and spouse, Neven), and Rachel Arnold. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Wallis.
John also had many chosen family members whom he loved deeply and enthusiastically, most especially his honorary grandchildren, James and Genevieve Haskett; and Ryan Joheim, who chose him as her Dad in spirit.
Despite his health struggles, John ''John Alec'' Briggs was a light in the lives of many, and his joyful spirit will be dearly missed. His memorial service will be held on September 27th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church.
Sign Guestbook
5 Condolence(s)
Janet Rico-Everett
Saturday, September 13, 2025
I had the distinct honor of graduating with John not once, but twice. From 7th grade at Central Jr. High School to graduation from OBU, I spent 11 years around John. We didn't have many classes together and didn't move in the same circles, especially after I changed my major, but we still maintained a friendship. He was the first person I thought of as a pianist for my wedding in 1990.
My fondest memory of John was from 1983. Hot Springs High School permitted seniors to visit their university of choice, so we rode together to OBU. Because we were both planning to be music majors, we met Dr. Charles Wright, OBU''s Dean of Music and were invited for a chat in his office. At some point, Dr. Wright asked us what kind of music we were interested in. Armed to the teeth in swagger, John informed Dr. Wright about the musical genius of Adam Ant and that soon other OBU students would agree. I wanted to fall through the floor. Dr. Wright was quietly amused.
Even though we were close, John and I didn't always agree on politics or faith, but we didn't argue, and we chose to concentrate on our agreements. We had that rare quality missing from much of American life: mutual respect. After all, not every thought needs a voice. He was one of my brothers from another mother, and I will miss him so much. Until we meet again, dear John.
Jack Ridgeway
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
By the time John arrived in this mortal world, I was off to college miles away. Returning to Hot Springs ususally entailed attending a funeral of a beloved family member. I recall a visit home with my new wife Nancy. We dropped in to visit with the Briggs side of the family prior to visiting with the Ridgeways. John was seated in his mother's lap, shy and most observant of Nancy and me. I can only imagine what he thought at such a young age. I had recently completed my training as a Marine and hoped that I wasn't wearing my war face. I recall seeing John much later when he was interning with an architectural firm in Dallas. Our visit was short. As with all my cousins and their respective familires, my thoughts and Prayers are always with them each night when I thank God for the day he gave me on His Earth again. I leave my tribute to John with a favorite: "We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So make sure your story is a good one." Nishan Panwar
David Krause
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
John was my cousin by marriage and a few years younger than me. I really only knew him as a pesky little kid who always was running around in diapers. Thanks to Facebook, I was able to re-acquaint myself with him, and I'm thankful for that.
With his typical humor, when I mentioned the diaper thing to him years later, he replied that, as he was moving into a senior community in Arkansas, he would soon be in diapers again.
We agreed on so many things, and more importantly, shared a sense of humor. He really became my favorite cousin.
I will miss him. We all will miss him.
Kenneth Scott Hass
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
John, we were friends from 1st grade at Gardner Elementary. I have many fond memories through the years. My fondest was when I came for Thanksgiving at your house and it was one I’ll never forget or the conversations we had when I needed an ear to bend. I know you’re playing Heavenly music now and in no more pain. Till we meet again, Rest in Peace my friend.
Laurie Huneycutt
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
John, you were a friend from long ago at Ouachita. It was good to reconnect when you returned to OBU. I will always remember our days of choir with Dr. Wright and him telling you to move your car. Rest easy my friend. Now you can sing in God's choir.