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Herbert (Jack) Wiggins lost his five year battle with lung cancer and passed away peacefully at home, December 1, 2010. He was 83. Jack was born in Oakland, California, December 19, 1926. He attended St. Joseph Military Academy, Belmont, CA, Claremont Jr. High, Oakland, CA, University High School, Oakland, CA, and College of San Mateo San Mateo, CA. Jack met and married Janet, his wife of 60 years at the college. Jack joined the Merchant Marines in 1943 at the age of 16. He served on the S.S. Sea Flasher, S.S.J. Sterling Martin, S.S. Extavia and S.S. Michael Pupin. During the time he served in the Merchant Marines, he helped deliver troops and equipment throughout the Pacific during WWII. His ships came under stafing, bombings and torpedoes almost daily. Jack received the Pacific War Zone Metal, the Mediterranean Middle East War Zone Medal and the Merchant Marine Combat Medal. He left the Merchant Marines in 1946 and joined the US, Marines Corps. He served two years as a Military Policeman in Oceanside, CA until 1948. Jack worked for GTE Lenkurt, San Carlos, CA in electronics. When Lenkurt sold to Siemen's, he transferred tot he plant in Albuquerque, NM and worked 35 years until his retirement. He had a place in his heart for his "Girls on the Line", who managed to get the product out by the end of the month - Thanks Ladies! Jack participated in Quick Draw Gun competitions and won many trophies. He also was an extra in the movies filmed in Albuquerque. Jack is survived by his wife Janet; son Michael (Robyn); daughter Randi (Jeff); granddaughter Jodi (Skyler); and great-grandchildren, Landen and Arlynn. A Military Recognition Service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656. Arrangments entrusted to Sonoran Skies Mortuary Mesa, AZ.
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