Deacon James Andrew Wiggins

On October 28, 1937, in Durham, North Carolina, James Andrew Wiggins was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew (Alma Ferrell) Wiggins. He peacefully transitioned to his Heavenly home on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Mr. Wiggins attended the public schools of Durham, North Carolina, and later served three years in the United States Army. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of the District of Columbia, majoring in Psychology. Additionally, he earned a Ph.D. from Riverside Baptist Seminary, where he majored in Religious Counseling. He was also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Wiggins served as Director and Deputy Director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps for three years. He later worked for the United States Department of Labor as a Manpower Development Specialist for twenty-eight years. After retirement, he continued his work in education by serving as a consultant, working as an adjunct professor, and contributing within the public-school systems of the state of Maryland.

A loving and devoted husband and a man of deep faith, Mr. Wiggins was known for his kind and gentle spirit. Family and close friends affectionately called him “Jim,” “DD,” and “Unc.” At an early age, he accepted the Lord and established a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Savior. After relocating from Maryland, he joined Hopewell in 2003 and faithfully served until his health began to decline. As a church member and Deacon, he carried out his responsibilities with a spirit of excellence. He volunteered in many areas of ministry and was affectionately referred to by some as “Deacon Wonderfully Well.”

Mr. Wiggins was also passionate about sports. He played football in college and basketball while serving in the military. His love of sports later led him to volunteer as a youth football and basketball coach. Throughout his life, he wore many hats in service to his community. Mr. Wiggins volunteered with various organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. He mentored students within the public school system and volunteered with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department in community service efforts. He also served with the Fleming Island Plantation Homeowners Association and Advisory Council and was elected to the Board of Supervisors for the Fleming Island Plantation Community Development District from 2009 to 2018.

An avid reader, Mr. Wiggins enjoyed sharing wisdom and books from his personal library. He also loved playing Scrabble and Pinochle, gardening, and traveling. Known as an encourager, he consistently expressed gratitude for his blessings. When asked how he was doing, his common response was that he was “wonderfully well.” As his health slowly declined, his response became, “I’m blessed.” Indeed, he experienced a blessed and well-lived life.

Mr. Wiggins strongly believed in accepting personal responsibility and elevating oneself through education. During his time in the military, he received training to become an X-ray technician. In the final four years of his life, he experienced firsthand the dedication of healthcare professionals from many disciplines and levels of education. Recognizing the need for compassionate and skilled workers in this field, the James Andrew Wiggins Memorial Scholarship will be established in his honor to assist graduating high school seniors seeking careers in healthcare.

Mr. Wiggins (Jim) leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of twenty-three years, Gladys Wiggins; children, James Andrew Wiggins, Jr. (Lori), Levander Wiggins (Wallace), Carolyn Krice, Selena Samuels, and Kandi Jackson; grandchildren, Teeghan Wiggins, Malcolm Krice, and Kadance Doumbia; brother, Levander Wiggins (Bert); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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