Cover photo for Jack Riggs's Obituary
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1921 Jack 2006

Jack Riggs

August 25, 1921 — October 14, 2006

Jack Dean Riggs, 85, of Bremerton died Saturday, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, to Ollie and Helen (Jensen) Riggs. He graduated from Bremerton High School in 1939 and married Muriel J. (Lund) Riggs on Aug. 8, 1942. Mr. Riggs served in the Navy during World War II as Chief Radioman Second Class. Aboard Navy PBYs, he flew patrols from the Aleutian Islands and Tongue Point, Ore., on scouting missions over the Pacific to search for enemy ships. He was proud to have received the Air Medal and a letter of commendation from Admiral Chester Nimitz for his performance on a flight while searching for the Japanese Task Force on the stormy night before the Battle of Midway. Mr. Riggs was an electronics technician for Bremerton National Airport for 39 years, where he maintained radio communication systems equipment, navigation equipment, and lighting. He also owned and operated "Riggs Radio and TV" a television repair business in his home during the '50s and '60s. After his retirement from Pacific Northwest Bell, he drove buses for the Central Kitsap School District. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Elks, Ham Radio Club, and Kitsap Track Club. He was a long-time amateur radio operator and communicated with most countries of the world. In more recent years he became interested in satellite communication and reflecting signals off the moon. He engineered and built a 30-foot Ham radio dish in his backyard. As an athlete, Mr. Riggs was proud of being on a basketball team coached by Ken Wills for Bremerton High School. He also ran track and held the 880 county record for many years. He enjoyed entering 10 kilometer runs with his grandson and son-in-law. As a grandfather, he enjoyed following his grandchildren¹s activities and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife Muriel of Bremerton; daughter, Charlotte and her husband Ben Pedersen of Bremerton; grandchildren, Erik Pedersen and Anna Acker; great-grandchildren, Muriel Grace and Virginia Louise Acker; nieces Jeannie Owen of Florence, Ore., Joanie O'Neal of Grants Pass, Ore., Helen Schwartz of Bremerton, Susan Chaussee of Bremerton; and nephew, Dick Schwartz of Gig Harbor. The memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Our Saviour¹s Lutheran Church, 11th and Veneta, Bremerton. Donations: Donor¹s choice.
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