Support Mike Brien's Family in Their Time of Need

Michael, “Mike”, James Brien peacefully earned his wings and went to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, FL. He was surrounded by his loved ones and had a courageous three year battle with stage 4 prostate cancer that spread to his bones, lymph nodes and most of his spine.

He was born in 1973 in Tigard, OR. In middle school, his family moved to Seaside, OR where he finished high school. In 1995, he moved to Portland, OR to earn his Associates Degree in computer applications. A day after he graduated, he asked Maris for a lunch date. They have been inseparable since. They married on September 4, 1999. In 2001, they moved to the San Francisco Bay area and had numerous sightseeing and foodie adventures. In 2003, a work opportunity brought them to Orange Park, FL. What they thought was a two year stint became twenty years. Mike started his computer repair business, Maris worked at a local university, they bought a house in Jacksonville, and spread their roots as they raised their two beautiful children.

Always smiling, making jokes and saying witty remarks, he loved a challenging game of chess, building the fastest computers, watching Star Trek shows (Yes, he’s a closet Trekkie.), especially the recent Picard series, and viewing western movies, declaring Unforgiven as the greatest of all movies while watching Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained at least ten times. Mike has the uncanny ability to remember lines from movies and blurt them out in conversations to make you laugh.

Above all, Mike’s life was defined by sharing joy in Christ. His passion has been working with the homeless through Hands and Feet where he met his brothers in soul Ed, James and Steve. He also loved his bible study group at Shindler Drive where he found another loving, supportive family, especially in the last stages of his cancer journey. He was also a big supporter of Caleb Park Mission. It was another opportunity to help out anyone in need and to spread the gospel. He also found solace in the Delta brothers who helped pray for him.

Mike was preceded by his nephew Noah, mother, Nadine, Grandma Ruth, and Grandpa Lloyd from his dad’s side.

He is survived by his wife, Maris, his daughter, Mia, son, Micah, his father, Jim, Sr. his brothers, Jim, Jr., Dan, Dave, Stephen, Matt, Mark, nieces Kara, Brittney, Hannah, Jade, Jordan, O’Neal, nephews Jacob, Jonah and Zach and SJ, half-sisters Teri and Maria. He is also survived by his mother in law, Amy Sison, sisters in law, Rachelle and Winnie, brother in law Rady, nephew in law, Robertt, relatives Ate Pres James and her five children (Sarah and husband Josh Almazan, Joshua, Noah, Abi and Hannah), Kuya Arms Tinawin, Enriquez family: Auntie Julie, Doreene, Kristina, Rommel, Rey, Ian, Maila, Kissley and Ted Susi, Auntie Che, Auntie Letty, Ate Vangie and Auntie Lita de Guzman.

Mike offers his sincere gratitude to Shindler Church, V for Victory and Inheritance of Hope. These loving communities embraced Mike and his family with various services like meals, family photo sessions and a weekend at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, FL. He extends his thankfulness to Baptist Health South, Clay and Downtown hospitals who have provided excellent care along with the doctors, nurses and physician assistants at UF Health and Mayo. Last but not least, the Baptist South and Hadlow Community Hospice teams have been super heroes that guided his last days with kindness and loving care.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. As Mike prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same - go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it – or feel free to leave a comment below.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for any donations to help support Mike's family during this difficult time. Donations will be used for funeral expenses and a college fund for his children. We are incredibly grateful for everyone's love and support during this challenging time.

Thank you for helping us honor Mike's memory and supporting his family.