He was born on May 15, 1947, in Hamilton, Alabama, to Shelby Quentin Wiginton and Verna Rae Williams.
Jim was a standout athlete at Sand Creek High School in Sand Creek, Michigan, before pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration at Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University.
He served admirably in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on March 29, 1970, following a tour of duty in Korea.
He married Rita Evelyn Ciesielczyk on July 15, 1972, at St. Agnes Church in Toledo, Ohio.
Jim built a successful 42-year career in real estate, business management, and entrepreneurship in the Midwest before retiring to Florida with his beloved Rita. While raising their family in South Bend, Indiana, Jim was actively involved in the youth sports community, supporting his children in their athletic pursuits and dedicating many years to officiating youth sports in the area.
Jim’s favorite activities included traveling the world with Rita, spending time with his children and grandchildren, barbecuing and cooking, golfing, reading, and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide football and Notre Dame women’s basketball teams. He also enjoyed being a member of the Tennessee Squire Association.
Those who knew Jim would describe him as hard working, thoughtful, charismatic, and possessing a great sense of humor.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughter, Brooke (Kevin) Paprocki; his sons, Benjamin (Megan) Wiginton, Jeffrey Wiginton, and Jonathon (Laura) Wiginton; and seven grandchildren: Murphy Michael (21), Brody Rece (17), River Mathew (14), Lucas James (11), Jacob Henry (7), Charlie Thomas (7), and Finley Raye (5).
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Shelby Jr. and Joe Stanley.
A Visitation will take place at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park (12777 FL-82, Fort Myers, FL) on Thursday, November 5th, 2026 from 9:00am-10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass with Military Honors at 11:30am at St. Vincent De Paul Church (13031 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL).
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in James name to the VA by visiting the following link below or you may make a donation to the charity of your choice: http://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/
