James Patrick Wigley

Born in Greenville Mississippi, lived his life on his terms, loved one woman and innumerable friends, died Charlottesville Virginia. He lost his father at an early age, grew up on the edge of poverty in Flora Mississippi, moved to Jackson in the 1950’s. There he met the love of his life, Carol Nelson, and they married in 1963. Pat served his country in the Air Force, first on the Aleutian Islands, spying on the Soviet space program, and then in Arizona as a general’s aide. He and Carol returned to Mississippi in 1965 after his discharge and established the Magnolia Home for Convalescents. After briefly driving for Continental Trailways (turning down an offer to tour with the Oak Ridge Boys) and serving as a deputy sheriff for Hinds County, he entered hospital administration for Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in 1971. Pat loved a good story, but he loved what he could do with a good story more: connect with other people, and love them as his Savior did. He attracted friend after friend throughout his life with tales and advice and always his unique sense of humor. To know Pat was to know what he liked, and what he thought you should try and do and go and see and eat. After retiring from hospital administration in 1998, his two children (Jay and Jo Lea) gone from the nest, he and Carol moved to Gulfport Mississippi where he worked again for the Air Force as a civilian, dodged Hurricane Katrina by moving to Navarre Florida, finally settling in Charlottesville Virginia two years ago. As a Virginian, Pat’s heart for others continued to grow, as he made wonderful friends from near and far at the Independence. He never met someone he couldn’t relate to, connect with, and a lifetime of stories allowed him to open up himself to anyone he met. To know Pat was to know that he wanted only what was best for you. He is survived by his wife Carol, his son Jay and daughter Jo Lea, sister Sarah Jo White, and three grandchildren. Pat will be buried at Quantico National Cemetery on May 18, 2015.