Former Phoenix Mayor John Driggs Dies at 87

By Dennis Lambert
Published: Thursday, December 11, 2014 - 12:20pm
Updated: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 - 1:55pm

A former two-term mayor of the city of Phoenix has died.

Mayor Greg Stanton’s office said John Driggs died Thursday morning at his Phoenix home.

Stanton said Driggs leaves a lasting and powerful legacy, not just from his time as mayor, but from his commitment to preserving the city’s rich history.

Driggs served as mayor from 1970 to 1974. During his tenure, he spearheaded the effort to create the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which now protects more than 33,000 acres of natural desert and mountain areas. He also led efforts to acquire land to create Echo Canyon Park and annex the land that would become Ahwatukee.

Born in Douglas, Driggs graduated from North Phoenix High School. He was a World War II veteran, serving with the Navy. He graduated from Stanford University.

Driggs' son, state Sen. Adam Driggs, said on his Facebook page Tuesday that his father had been suffering complications related to pancreatitis for more than a year.

John Driggs was 87. He is survived by his wife, Gail, five sons, 19 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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