Jack Freeman Griggs, 74, of Gas City, formerly of Big Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Born on January 9, 1952, in Peoria, Illinois, he was a son of the late John Freeman Griggs and Alta Fern (Studer) Griggs.  Growing up near Lawrenceville, IL, he later moved to Effingham, where he attended Effingham High School.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1968.  On January 20, 1970, he married Caroline Lynn Scott.

He became an over-the-road truck driver with Kelly Inc. Trucking, Altamont, IL.  After his retirement, the family moved to Goose Lake, Columbia City, and then to Big Lake.  A few years ago, the couple moved to Huntington and, more recently, to Gas City.

In his retirement, Jack liked to take leisurely drives through the countryside and watch paranormal movies.  He liked to assemble model ships, especially from the Viking period.  He enjoyed his grandkids and had a special fondness for the family cat Jasper.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Caroline; children, Roy Griggs of Flora, IL, Jackie Griggs of Gas City, Mary (Jason) Groff of Columbia City, John Griggs and Alta (Travis) Pequignot both of Goose Lake; ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren; a brother, Jerry Griggs of Upland and a sister, Janice Cravens of Tower Hill, IL.

Preceding him in death are his brothers, Henry, Joseph, John, and Jim Griggs, and a sister, Joan Cole.

The funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday (Jan 24th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the Pleasant Grove – Snodgrass Cemetery.  Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.