James Pierce

I wanted to share my big brother James Pierce, we lost him April 12, 2023. I have attached a picture of him and shared just a little bit about him. Every Aortic Dissection Awareness Day my family honor him by wearing shirts with ADW with his name and the ribbon on it.

I pray for each family member and patient that has been affected by aortic disease.  

My heart is broken as I try to find the words to tell you about my brother James Pierce. He wasn’t just my brother—he was my hero, my protector, my big brudder, my best friend. He was the one I could laugh with until tears rolled down our faces, and the one I could lean on when life felt too heavy.

He wore so many titles with pride—son, father, brother, uncle, great uncle—and in every single role, he shined. He was the kind of uncle every kid dreams of having, and the kind of great uncle that left an imprint on little hearts that will never fade. He was funny, loving, full of life, and even through all the struggles he faced, his love for his family never wavered. That love was his constant—his gift to all of us.

Losing him so suddenly to an aortic dissection feels unbearable. It doesn’t seem real that someone with so much laughter, strength, and love could be gone in an instant. But even in this grief, I hold on to the memories—the jokes, the hugs, the way he made every room brighter just by being in it.

He will always be my big brudder, my hero, my best friend. His love will live on in every one of us who was blessed to know him.

Until we meet again, I’ll carry him in my heart forever.

Jody Pierce Bagwell

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31