Jay S. Wiginton was born on September 21, 1941, and grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He started at Texas Tech University in 1959 studying Animal Science, and graduated with his Bachelors of Science degree in 1963. While at Tech, he was active in the Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Rodeo Club, and the Livestock Judging Team. He went to Vietnam in 1965 and served as a 1st lieutenant in the 1099th Medium Boat Company. He was the company's executive officer and served in Saigon and Vung Tau. While inVietnam, he earned the Vietnam Service Award. After his tour, he returned to TTU and earned his Masters of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Biology in 1968. He is married to Laverne Wiginton and has three children: Lee, Lauren, and Lindsay.
