James Stephen Wiggins

James "Steve" Wiggins, (75), a longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida (and a recent resident of Sandy Springs, Georgia), died on January 4, 2023, after a short illness and surrounded by family.

Steve was born to William Newton Wiggins and Janni Mable on February 21, 1947, in Repton, Alabama. The younger brother of William "Sonny," Steve grew up as a boy scout in a humble Alabama home.

Steve and his mother moved to Fort Walton Beach when he was in junior high school. In high school he was a four-year varsity football player, a junior class and Key Club president, and voted "Most Dependable" by his peers. Steve paid his way through college, working as a janitor, construction worker, YMCA coach, Sears salesman, and even for State of Florida's Treasurer's Office. After graduating from Florida State University, Steve joined the Air Force as an officer. When asked where he wanted to begin his service, Steve answered, "The base farthest from Alabama." His first assignment was pilot training at Craig AFB -- in Selma, Alabama.

After earning an MBA while stationed in California, Steve traveled the world as a pilot. He flew and instructed on a number of airplanes, spending most of time in the WC-130 on weather reconnaissance missions, i.e., flying into hurricanes. (Steve's son did not inherit the gene allowing one to function unfazed in turbulent flight.) Steve's talent for operation logistics and accounting often lead to his selection to 'fly a desk,' as he put it. He earned numerous awards and recognitions for his director assignments in combat rescue and special operations. His leadership skills were not limited to the Air Force, though. When stationed in O'Fallon, Illinois, he was elected president of the PTA for his children's elementary school, and he coached a number of his children's little league teams.

Steve was never one to sit idle. After retiring from the military, he passed the CPA exam at the age of 50 and worked for years as a residential construction estimator. In his later years, Steve enjoyed boating, gardening, rescuing pets (he adopted homeless, elderly dogs -- one after another), watching FSU football and all-things PBS Masterpiece & BBC mystery; and, of course, he relished doting on his granddaughters. He was that neighbor who would not only loan you his tools, he would bring them over and fix your problem with a smile. In recent years he found comfort in reading historical accounts of the Bible.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents and brother (Sonny). He is survived by his children, Tiffany Wiggins and Cary (Sue) Wiggins, and his granddaughters, Audrey and Lauren of Atlanta, and his nieces Vicki Raleigh of Spartanburg SC and Kelley Roundtree of Columbia SC. He maintained life-long friendships with both of his former wives, Gayle (m. 1967-1991) and Mary (m. 1993-2003).

Funeral arrangements are being made for Arlington National Cemetery. Steve valued donations to charity, giving regularly to those helping wounded veterans and sheltered animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.