J.L. “Jiggs” White, 91, of Beaumont passed away May 7, 2010, at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont.
Jiggs was born in Beaumont on August 2, 1918, the third of seven sons born to Ben and Myrtle White.
Graduating from Beaumont High School in 1937, and completing Business College, he was employed for a time by a local lumber company. Deciding he preferred outside work, he became employed by Hinote Electric Co. Joining the Electrical Workers #479, he began his apprentice training. A week after Pearl Harbor, at age 22, he joined the Navy. He served his country for four years all aboard the Battleship U.S.S. Pennsylvania to take part in every amphibious operation in the Pacific from May 4, 1943, until February 1945. It fired more shells than any ship in history. After his discharge, he returned to his former employer. Working there many years and being nominated twice as craftsman of the year by local architects, he then entered the contract maintenance field. Later he joined Mobil Chemical as an Electrical Specialist and was instrumental in the first construction and completion of their Polyethylene Plant on Highway 90.
Jiggs retired in 1983 to do what he loved and enjoyed most, taking care of his cattle, pasture, cats, and Jiggs’ bermuda grass hay field at his farm near China. He won many honors on his high quality hay. He built a big barn almost by himself at age 70.
He carried the nickname Jiggs all his life. It is said that a family friend, Henry Alexander, assured his parents their two week old son looked like Jiggs in the comics. He was a faithful member of Rosedale Baptist Church. If you asked someone to describe Jiggs in so many words, they might reply: always quiet, private, honest, and very dependable.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Mary White of Beaumont; son, James (Jimmy) White of Beaumont; grandsons, Jake and Ben White of Beaumont; and brothers, Wendall White and Bill White both of Beaumont.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Morris, Menard, Bobby, and Jesse White.
His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at Rosedale Baptist Church, 7110 Concord Rd, Beaumont. Burial will follow at Holton Cemetery in Jasper under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 N. Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be Monday, May 10, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Broussard’s.
If you desire, memorial contributions may be made to Rosedale Baptist Church, 7110 Concord Rd., Beaumont, Texas 77708 or to a charity of your choice.
