of North Little Rock, AR

October 11, 1937 - January 24, 2022

John L ''Jack'' Riggs, 84 of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away in his home on January 24, 2022.''¯ Jack was born October 11, 1937, to Claude and Novelle Riggs in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. After graduating from North Little Rock High School in 1956, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Memphis State University and Memphis Academy of Art where he obtained an Associate Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Art and Journalism. Jack became a photographer for the Memphis Press-Scimitar and a cartoonist for the Memphis Cotton Exchange Journal. While in Memphis, he entered the United States Air Force as an Airborne Radio Intercept and was awarded the American Spirit of Honor Medal for leadership. Jack moved back to North Little Rock in 1961 and dated the love of his life, Janell Murchison Riggs, where they spent the next 58 years together. Jack and Janell have one daughter, Mollie Jaye Riggs, an artist who resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Jack leaves a son, Rick Gregory and his wife Laura, and grandson Keaton Gregory of Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Jack had multiple talents that helped shape his life story.''¯ He was an artist, musician, inventor, entrepreneur, outdoorsman, and the best storyteller ever.''¯ His creative sense led him down many different career paths and he was never afraid to take a risk.''¯ Some of his notable career roles included: Administrative Assistant to Arkansas Secretary of State, an Advisor to the State Election Commission, a Liaison to the Arkansas Legislature, and Supervisor of the Capitol Microfilm and Photo Laboratory. He later became Executive Director of the Arkansas Nursing Home Assoc. as well as the Arkansas County Judges Assoc.''¯

Jack was also a hobbyist and truly was a Jack of all trades.''¯ There was literally nothing he couldn't do. If he was in your presence, there was laughter and many times music.''¯ During his Memphis days he could be seen rockin' around town with Eddie Cash and the Madcaps, a popular four-piece combo band.''¯ In Arkansas he would go pickin' at house parties with his friends and family.''¯ Jack loved to PLAY in every sense of the word.''¯ Children always loved him because he was a big kid himself.''¯ He had a huge circle of friends that loved him.''¯ He was one of the founding members of the original Levy Racing Team.''¯ He and his friends rode hard, played hard, and always had each other's backs. He was a member of the Arkansas Bowhunters Association, the National Association of Scuba Diving Schools, and a member of Ducks Unlimited.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Janell and his daughter Mollie; his son Rick Gregory, wife Laura, and grandson Keaton; his sister Julia Maglothin, his brother-in-law Kenneth Murchison and wife Rieta; his brother-in-law Harold Murchison and wife Sylvia; his brother-in-law Vincent Insalaco; and a long list of loving nieces and nephews.''¯ Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Novelle Riggs, his brother Claude Eugene Riggs II and sister-in-law Jane Riggs; his sister Sally Riggs Insalaco, and his brother-in-law Raymond Maglothin.

We would like to thank everyone who visited Jack during this time, and all who cared for him at the Lakewood Nursing Home and Rehab and Kindred Hospice.

The Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the Funeral Service on Monday, February 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock. Monday, February 7th at 11:00 a.m., there will be a Flag Ceremony and the playing of ''Taps'' at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com