James Andrew Wiggin

Jim was born on November 10, 1946, in Donna, Texas, to Theresa and James Edgar Wiggin. He graduated from Donna High School in 1964, where he proudly served as Team Manager for Coach Scott’s 1961 Texas Class AA football state championship team.

After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1965 to 1968 as a Sergeant with the Strategic Air Command in Minot, North Dakota. Following his military service, he moved to Los Angeles, California, to be near his mother and sister. There, he built a long and successful career with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring as a Supervisor after 19 years. In 1988, Jim returned with his family to the Rio Grande Valley, where he served for 27 years as Executive Director of the University of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (UCAS) in Harlingen, retiring in 2015.

On July 6, 1974, Jim married the love of his life, Yolanda “Yoli” Leyva, in McAllen, Texas. Together they shared more than 50 years filled with love, laughter, and family.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Yolanda Wiggin; their three sons, James Andrew “Andy” Wiggin II (Brenda Petrovics Wiggin) of Round Rock, TX, Michael Wiggin (Juliana Sheffield) of Austin, TX, and Brian Wiggin of Austin, TX; and his cherished grandchildren, Blake Wiggin, Cyrus Wiggin, and Hazel Wiggin.

He is also survived by his sister Rachel “Tia Rachel” Wiggin Garza of Donna, TX, and her children Victor, Robert, Sandra, Eddie, and Glenda, along with their many children and grandchildren; his sister Terry “Tia Terry” Wiggin Garcia (married to Mike Garcia) of California, and their children Shawn McKinney and Cathy Zendejas, and their families; and his sister Ann Wiggin Nealy and his brother Buddy Wiggin of Louisiana.

Jim was a lifelong sports enthusiast, always cheering for the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Some of his happiest memories were traveling with his sons to see the Longhorns, Astros, Austin FC, and Dodgers play, and gathering for any event that brought family together. He enjoyed regular meals and reunions with his lifelong friends and teammates from Donna, who proudly celebrated their state championship legacy.

Jim loved history, music, and especially food. He was known as the family’s “Master Griller,” passing down his skills to his sons, nephews, and nieces. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his dedication to service, his legendary “dad jokes”, his barbecue, and his joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Rd, Mission, TX 78572.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Folds of Honor (https://foldsofhonor.org/), which provides scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.