James Richard Wiggins

James Richard Wiggins Our father, James Richard Wiggins, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30, 2021. Surrounded by family, he left us with his characteristic look of wide-eyed optimism. Born in Lansing, Michigan on November 13, 1922, “Jim” arrived to enliven and entertain his loving parents Helen and Clifford Wiggins. He spent his childhood in the Mid-West, and he especially loved his memories of Sterling, Illinois. He had an active outdoor life there, hunting, fishing, swimming in the creek, and building go-carts. Eventually, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1945. In his early Navy career, he served on the ship which took President Truman to the Potsdam Conference, one of his favorite military memories. A little later, he became a flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida, which he found very gratifying. He was a fighter pilot during the Korean Conflict. Jim met his lovely and amazing future wife Ann, a Navy nurse, in Jacksonville, Florida. They shared a full 60 years of marriage before she passed in 2010. Together, they raised four children, and lived in a variety of locations, including Virginia, California, Rhode Island, and Naples, Italy. Throughout our family life, Mom and Dad gave all of us every opportunity to develop our interests and passions. They always believed in us, and had faith in our abilities to accomplish whatever we wanted. We are forever grateful for having them as our parents. After retiring from the Navy and subsequent government service, Dad finally had time to enjoy his own interests. His expert woodworking skills resulted in many beautiful creations for his children and grandchildren, building castles and doll houses. He had an avid interest in electronics, resulting in several projects with his grandchildren. Dad’s love of music was well-known and he played both the accordion and organ adeptly. His retirement time brought him on trips to Maine, North Carolina, and Florida to visit family each year, making a point of staying connected with all of us. In his later years, Dad could often be seen sitting on his porch, socializing with the various neighbors and dogs who stopped to visit. Dad’s indomitable spirit made an impression on everyone; he was full of enthusiasm for the goodness of life. Dad is survived by his loving children: Patricia Baldwin and her husband Allen, Thomas Wiggins, Janice Cheeseman, and Linda Dzera and her husband Rick. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Allen Baldwin III and his wife Jenn, Thomas Baldwin and his wife Anna, Anna Cheeseman, James Cheeseman, John Dzera, and Lisa Dzera. Jim was lucky to have three great-grandchildren in his life: Nora, Malcolm, and George Baldwin. He loved us all with all his heart. We wish to thank the staff at the Fairfax at Belvoir Woods for their compassion and care. His interment and memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery is pending. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DemaineFuneralHomes.com for the Wiggins family.