Phillip L. Spigner Jr., affectionately known as PJ, was born on April 16, 1982, at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, to Louise and Phillip Spigner. At the early age of 42, he tragically departed this life suddenly and joined the arms of Christ Jesus on December 21, 2024, at his home in Landover, Maryland. 

PJ was raised and educated in the public schools of Pemberton Township, New Jersey. He attended Pemberton Township High School, where he graduated with honors in June 2000. Afterward, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and began his military journey in September 2000 with basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon his graduation and return home, he began his college studies at The College of New Jersey. However, the tragic events of September 11th led him to withdraw from classes to activate his military service, which included deployments to Kuwait, Iraq (two tours), and Afghanistan. PJ was a deeply dedicated soldier who proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 20 years. His assignments included international active-duty deployments to Italy and various stateside postings in Missouri, Arizona, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Texas, and Maryland. Throughout his distinguished military career, PJ received numerous accolades and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He proudly achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in June 2024. At the time of his passing, he was employed by the President’s Intelligence Advisory & Oversight Boards, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C.

PJ earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice on May 15, 2011, and a Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies on August 1, 2020, from American Public University. In 2003, he was initiated into the brotherhood of Sigma Pi Fraternity, Theta Delta Chapter, at The College of New Jersey. He was also a member of the Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society.

PJ loved to travel the world, especially with his favorite travel buddy and cousin, Chieko. His vibrant personality drew people to him during random encounters across the globe. He never failed to turn these chance meetings into lifelong friendships. Two such friendships led to invitations for him to attend weddings in Scotland and Ireland, which he joyfully accepted donning his very own custom kilt! PJ’s cheerful smile, infectious laughter, clever quips, and loving sarcasm will be profoundly missed by all those who have shared a connection with him. One of PJ’s all-time favorite pastimes was spending his time at the beach. He loved to relax on a comfy inflatable lounge chair, soak up the sun, listen to the waves, and occasionally jump into the ocean for a quick swim. Whether on vacation overseas or back home at the Jersey shore, the beach was truly his happy place.

PJ was also hailed as a “Master Craftsman” by his entire family. He was a self-taught expert in various trades, including automotive mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing, among countless others. He loved the challenge of taking any open space and building custom shelving or drawers to meet your specific needs. His mother and sister would often marvel at his wealth of skills, asking, “How did you learn to do all that?” PJ would proudly share that he made the most of free classes offered by Home Depot and instructional videos on YouTube. His desire to learn and his gift for understanding things on his own were truly his blessings from God. Whenever anyone needed something constructed, repaired or reached out to him for guidance on a project, PJ was always there to lend a helping hand.

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