Jerry Diggs, 82, Maitland, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, peacefully at his home.
He was born January 2, 1943 in Skidmore, Missouri, to Tom and Joyce (Ward) Diggs.
Jerry married Nancy Yvonne Ramsey on December 22, 1976. She survives of the home.
He farmed in the Maitland, Missouri area all of his life. He and Nancy raised livestock when they were first married, then later they focused on row crops.
Jerry was known for his duck hunting skills, earning the nickname “One shot – One kill Diggs.” He began hunting rabbits and squirrels at age 7, the beginning of a long, avid career of hunting waterfowl, professional clay target shooting, then competitive live pigeon shoots. He won first place in the World Pigeon shoot in Mexico City, Mexico, in 1992 and repeated that feat the next year in Guadalajara, Mexico. His team won the Race of the Nations, Mexico, in 1994, the same year he represented the U.S. in the World Pigeon Shoot in Lisbon, Portugal, and won first place. He was inducted into the Waterfowlers Hall of Fame.
Jerry was of the Christian faith.
Family and friends say Jerry was 10 feet tall and bulletproof. He was extremely positive and wouldn’t tolerate negativity, even after his health started failing. He leaves a legacy of love, achievement, and memories for his family to cherish.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark A. Diggs; son-in-law, Steven L. Nielson; and several well-trained Labrador hunting buddies.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Nancy; children, Julie M. Nielson, David D. Diggs, and Jeff E. McIntyre; grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) Brown, Shawna Sielert, Daniel (Jessica) Nielson, Silas (Alisha) Nielson, Sara Schulter, Jessica Johnson, Molly Roberts, and Christopher Michael McIntyre; great-grandson, Steven Y. Nielson; sister, Judy (Jim) Hawkins; several nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends; and his beloved dog, Digger the 5th.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Maitland Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to Delta Waterfowl; Gun Owners of America, or AseraCare Hospice in Savannah, Missouri.
