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.
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13 Condolence(s)
Ronnie
Monday, August 14, 2023
Just came across Jack's passing by accident during an internet search today (8/14/2023). For years I wondered what ever happened to Jack, our lead guitar in my band, Eddie Cash & The Madcaps. I was the drummer (wet behind the ears but fast hands), only about 15 years old at the time but Jack made sure I was always taken care of and looking after me. After all, he was 4 years older at the time which is huge when in your teens. Jack showed his leadership skills and massive talent at an early age. He sang and picked that guitar like the real pro he was. Eddie Cash is gone too. Gerald Hunsucker is gone. So I'm the last musician standing so to speak. At 81 I'm obviously due to join them all up in heaven one of these days. And that would be cool, wouldn't it We could play Matchbox, The Girl Can't Help It, and a big favorite of the band, True Love made popular in the day by Carl Perkins. Tried finding some phone numbers to chat with family but couldn't. 415-518-3691
Elizabeth Insalaco
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
I love you uncle Jack! I love you Mollie, and Aunt Janelle! I’m sending you giant hugs on earth and in heaven! ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Jimmy Corn
Friday, February 4, 2022
Dear Dear Mollie it saddens me so you losing your daddy. He was a hero to many but Just Daddy To You and what a True Coat of Arms he wore to that Title for you and your siblings.
My Sympathy to you, Mollie.
Love Shared
Vicky Lane Salkeld Dahinden
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Janell,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Saying goodbye to our husbands is very difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vicky
Craig Dicus
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, Mollie. He certainly lived a full life. As an Air Force veteran myself I can appreciate his service to our nation and say thanks. I pray you will remember and cherish the artistic gifts he passed down to you every time you draw and paint.
Maryann Insalaco
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Molly I am sorry for your loss. Know, with time, sadness fades to happy memories full of love and laughter. You're in my prayers.
Sheree Crites
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Such a beautiful tribute to your daddy. I know your heart is breaking. It doesn’t get easier, but the broken pieces of your heart slowly start letting light and happy memories shine through.
Carole Faverty Urbanske
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
i remember Jack as a friendly guy with a nice smile. I have lived away from North Little Rock, but I am totally impressed by Jacks great accomplishments. I know he will be greatly missed.
Willete Alton Atkins
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Dear Janelle and Mollie, our prayers are with you and the family at this time. So sorry for your loss and know God is with you. Don & Willete â¤ï¸ðŸ™
Judy Goode Brown
Sunday, January 30, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jack was a special person although it has been years since I’ve seen him I remember him as a very fine person. I know the pain you are going through, I lost my husband 2 years ago. May God give you His peace.
Carolyn Edmondson
Sunday, January 30, 2022
So sorry Janell for your loss
Tommy and Karen Malcom
Friday, January 28, 2022
Janell and Mollie,
We are so sorry to hear about Jack. Mom and Dad sure loved all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Tommy and Karen
Lea Ann Milloway Bullington
Friday, January 28, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jack was so loved by our family. Janell & Mollie my thoughts and prayers are with you!!!