Lieut. James Wigton Dies
Well Known Young Man Expires Unexpectedly at Scott Field
Second Lieut. James E. Wigton, son of Mr. and Mrs. P.R. Wigton, 101 Gilman terrace, died at 1 a.m. Tuesday in the station hospital, Scott field, Illinois, his parents were informed Tuesday morning by telegram from the commanding officer of the hospital.
Further details concerning Lieut. Wigton’s death were lacking. His parents had no previous information concerning his illness. They had received a letter from their son Monday in which he sent a copy of his assignment from his major who asked that Lieut. Wigton be assigned to his staff permanently because of the outstanding record he had made.
The telegram stated “Regret to inform you that your son, Second Lieut. James E. Wigton, died at station Hospital May 2, at 1 a.m. Advise disposition to be made of the body and to whom the body is to be consigned, Condolence, Fitzgerald C.G., Scott field.”
Attended Trinity College
Born in Sioux City May 12, 1919, Lieut. Wigton attended the Cathedral parochial school Trinity high school and Trinity College. He was employed as assistant in the Sioux City traffic bureau until October 1942, at which time he entered the army.
He was assigned to the administration branch of the air corps, and was rapidly promoted to corporal. Sent to the air corps administration school at Jonesboro, Ark., he was promoted to master sergeant on completion of the course. He was then assigned to the Richmond air base at Richmond, Va., where he served until he was elected to Officers candidate school at Belvoir, Va.
Lieut. Wigton was graduated February 9, 1944, and received his commission as second lieutenant. He was assigned to the combat engineers and given further schooling at the Granite City, Ill., engineer depot. He remained there on permanent assignment.
Another Brother in Service
Survivors besides the parents are his brothers, Donald R., recently appointed district manager of the Des Moines office of O.D.T., Sergeant Richard W., air corps, San Pedro, Cal., and P. R. Jr., Sioux City.
Funeral services will be held in Sioux City although plans have not been completed. Donald R. Wigton and Sergeant Wigton will be in Sioux City for the services.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, May 2, 1944 (photo included)
Lieut. Wigton Funeral Is Set
Last Rites Monday at Cathedral; Body Will Arrive Friday
Funeral services for Second Lieut. James E. Wigton, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. P.R. Wigton, 101 Gilman terrace, have been changed from Saturday to 9 a.m. Monday in the Cathedral of the Epiphany, because of a delay in the arrival of the body.
Lieut. Alfred F. Hawkins, military escort, telephoned the family from Council Bluffs, that because of slowness of train travel resulting from flood conditions, connections had been missed at Council Bluffs. Lieut. Hawkins expects to arrive in Sioux City with the body at 1:45 a.m. Friday.
Lieut. Wigton’s death occurred unexpectedly Tuesday in the station hospital at Scottfield, Illinois. The body will be taken to the Wigton residence to remain until time for the funeral.
The rosary will be recited in the Wigton home at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, instead of tonight and Friday, as originally announced. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery with Larkin’s funeral home directing arrangements. Rev. F.M. Parle will conduct the funeral services.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, May 4, 1944
