Joel Jack Wiggins

Joel Jack Wiggins, 84, returned to his heavenly home on March 26, 2017 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Jack was born to the late Jack and Jewel May Wiggins in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 12, 1933. He was the second born and had five brothers and three sisters. In addition to his parents, his brother, Willie Alfred Wiggins, brother Bobby Ray Wiggins, brother Harold Duane Wiggins, and sister Geraldine Wiggins preceded him in death.

In 1937, Jack’s family moved to California as migrant farmers and eventually settled in Woodville; harvesting crops there and in the surrounding areas. Jack attended school during the day and helped support his family working the fields in the afternoon. He left high school in his sophomore year to work full time and help support his family. Jack’s love and dedication to his family could be seen in everything that he did in his life.

In 1952, Jack joined the United States Air Force and was assigned to Strategic Air Command as a B-47 crew chief and aircraft mechanic. He served four years and was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona. After his tour in the Air Force, Jack worked for Rocketdyne Corporation at Edwards AFB as mechanic on the Jupiter, Saturn, and Atlas rocket motors that were used for the Project Mercury and Project Gemini space programs. In 1965, Jack starting working for the General Electric Company at Edwards AFB as a jet engine mechanic and retired after 28 years of service.

Jack met his bride-to-be on Daytona Beach in Florida. After a six-month engagement, he married Wynelle Martin on September 8, 1957. Jack and Wynelle resided in Lancaster, California, were married 59 years, and raised two boys, Daniel Joe Wiggins born May 23, 1965 and Michael Kevin Wiggins born February 25, 1968. Jack is survived by his wife; Wynelle Wiggins. His two sisters; Betty Martin and Patsy Lambert, his two brothers; David Wiggins and Jimmy Wiggins. His two sons; Daniel (Michelle) Wiggins and Kevin (Elaine) Wiggins. His grandchildren; Zachary James Wiggins and Dawson Jack Wiggins.

Jack’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service at the West Olive church of Christ in Peoria, Arizona at 11:00 on April 4, 2017 and he will be buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1:30pm. Minister Ray Miller will officiate the service. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted.