James E. “Wiggy” Wiggins

Posted on January 25, 2023

James E. “Wiggy” Wiggins, 84, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023, in Perry. Jim was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Munson, Fla., to Edwina Mae Smith Wiggins, who later married Charles Hubert Rinks Sr., who raised Jim as his own. He honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Green Beret, serving in the Gulf War, and retiring after 33 years of service. After his service, Jim began a career in law enforcement. He worked as a guard for General Electric in Tampa and with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department before moving to Perry and working for the Perry Police Department, reaching the rank of detective and retiring after 20 years. Jim was avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all kinds of different sports. Mr. Wiggins was a Baptist and a member of Athena Baptist Church. He loved to spend time fellowshipping and having dinner with his family and friends. He will be truly missed by all those who loved and knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hubert and Edwina Mae Rinks, and his sister, Belinda Rinks Tilton. Wiggy is survived by: his wife of 27 years, Amanda “Tynia” Wiggins; his daughter, Kimberley E. Cruce (David P. Stock); and his brother, Charles Hubert Rinks Jr. and his wife, Norma; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sistersin law. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home of Perry with Brother David McMullen and Brother Matt Roland officiating. Interment services will follow in Pineview Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www. joepburnsfuneralhomes. com.