Jack Robert Wiggers

Jack Robert Wiggers, 80, passed away on September 3, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas, after a battle with heart failure—a diagnosis that always seemed particularly ironic for a man who lived with such an extraordinarily big heart.

Born November 27, 1945, in Akron, Ohio, to John and Maxine Wiggers, Jack grew up in Wabash, Indiana, with his older sister, Mary Jo, just one year his senior. Close in age and close throughout their lives, Mary Jo was not only his big sister but one of his very best friends, and losing her in 2004 was a profound loss for Jack. When Jack was 12, along came his little sister, Susan, creating an equally special bond and giving Jack the role of big brother. Though twelve years separated them, Jack and Susan remained close throughout his life, with Susan lovingly by his side and helping care for him in his final days. His sisters were two of the most important people in his world, each holding a unique and treasured place in his heart.

Jack graduated from Wabash High School and later attended Morehead State University in Kentucky, where he played basketball, served as president of Tau Kappa Epsilon and president of the Interfraternity Council, and was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Handsome, charming and wonderfully funny, Jack had beautiful blue eyes, a great smile, a sense of adventure and an endless curiosity about people. Jack never met a stranger—or at least he never allowed anyone to remain one for long. Waiters, nurses, cashiers, fellow golfers, people on airplanes, or someone innocently sitting at the next table could expect Jack's standard questions:

“Where are you from?” “How did you end up here?” “What do you do?” and, most famously, “Where are the Jell-O shots?”

Within minutes, Jack could learn half of someone's life story and somehow make a new friend in the process.

That gift served him well throughout his career in sales and entrepreneurship. Jack worked for General Electric, owned a lighting store and A/E Door Sales, and later became a leading new-home sales representative.

For most of his adult life, Jack called Euless, Texas, home, where he built lasting friendships and was active in his church and community. It was there that much of the life he loved—family, friends, work, golf and countless good times—unfolded.

More than anything, Jack loved golf and fishing. Some of his happiest memories were made on golf courses with the many friends and family members he loved, where the stories, laughter and camaraderie mattered every bit as much as the scorecard. He also loved fishing and the coast—especially Rockport and Galveston, Texas, and just about anywhere in Florida. Give Jack a fishing rod, sunshine, salt air and a cold beer, and he was a happy man.

Jack loved to dine out, cook, entertain and throw a party, preferably with good food and a Bloody Mary, Martini or Manhattan nearby. He was also an avid movie buff with a remarkable memory for films, actors and lines—a memory he retained right up until the end.

Books were another lifelong pleasure, and Jack often gave them as gifts, occasionally hiding money between the pages to see if the recipient actually read them. If Jack ever gave you a book you didn't finish, now might be a good time to check.

Adventure came naturally to him. He scuba dived, skydived, flew in float planes and rarely turned down an opportunity to experience something new. For a man who willingly jumped out of perfectly good airplanes, making it to 80 was a pretty respectable accomplishment.

Ironically, a man who could remember an actor from a movie he saw 40 years ago could rarely remember where he'd put his keys five minutes ago. Keys, glasses, wallets and phones regularly disappeared, and helping Jack find whatever he'd misplaced became something of a family tradition.

But while Jack frequently lost his belongings, he never lost sight of what mattered most.

When Jack met and married his first wife, Kay, she had two young children, Deborah and David. Jack became a dad to them in every way that mattered, raising and loving them completely and unequivocally as his own. To Debi and David, and eventually throughout the family, he was affectionately known as “Pal.”

Of all Jack's adventures and accomplishments, there may be no better measure of his character—or the size of his heart—than the father, uncle, brother and friend he was.

Jack is survived by Deborah K. Pannone and Dr. David Burch, both of Tampa, Florida; Deborah's husband, William (Billy) T. Pannone III; Dr. Kristin Burch; his sister, Susan Harder; his grandchildren, Amanda Graham, Allie Burch and Aidan Milton; his nieces, Maria Turlan and Monica Cain, and their husbands, Arturo and Travis; his dear cousins, Carole Daugherty, Tracy Daugherty, Tom Daugherty and Carla Smith; as well as many extended family members, dear friends and cherished relationships.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maxine Wiggers, and his sister, Mary Jo Iosue.

Jack leaves behind a lifetime of stories—some heartwarming, many hilarious, and probably a few best left out of an obituary.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held at a later date.

In Jack's memory, go fishing. Play a round of golf. Cook a great meal and invite people over. Watch an old movie and quote your favorite lines. Give someone a good book—and maybe tuck a little surprise between the pages. Raise a Bloody Mary or Manhattan somewhere near the water. Take the trip you've been putting off.

We love you, Pal. Have one more great adventure for us.