James Higgins, 82, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011, in Retama Manor in Harlingen, Texas.
James was born to James and Genevieve (LeBeau) Higgins Oct. 15, 1928, in Duluth. He graduated from Cathedral High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as an MP in Occupied Japan. James then graduated from Duluth Business University and St. Louis School of fiscal finance. He owned and operated Higgins Industrial Supply Co. until his retirement.
He was president of the Virginia Blue Line Club, the Lake Superior Purchasing Agents Association and the Virginia Area Chamber of Commerce, a life-time member of the Elks and VFW and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
James played and then coached and refereed youth hockey until moving to Texas in 1986. He was an avid golfer playing in many tournaments and many different courses across the United States.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Genevieve; brothers Don and Butch; and sisters Susan and Pat.
James is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elaine; children William James (Sue) Higgins, Kimball Joseph (Wendy) Higgins, Kenneth John (Kris) Higgins, Dorothy Helen Higgins (Wayne) Gilbert, Dawn Elizabeth Higgins, Kimberly Ann Higgins (Richard) Pietrzak, Richard Allen (Jo) Higgins and Karen Jane Higgins (Warren) Saaf; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Rae Higgins, Barbara Higgins, Irene Higgins, Bonnie (Mike) Tweedy and Nancy (Charles) Davidson; brothers Roy (Carolyn) Higgins and Wayne (Carol) Higgins; many nieces and nephews; and special friend Karen Kim Martin.
A service will be held in Duluth at a later date.
The family requests memorial contributions to be made to the Marine Corps Toy for Tots Foundation, Attn: Major Bill Grein, National Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 4002896, Des Moines, IA 50340-2896; the St. Scholastica Monastery, Office of Development, 1001 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, MN 55811-2300; The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2464, Harlingen, TX 78551-2464; or a charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the online guestbook or leave a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, (956) 423-3636.
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rrobert g.
07/31/2011 12:58 PM
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Ronald A.
tnutMy father, Roger Albertson, worked for Peter Gemuenden and Jim Higgins for mmany years. I still recall the smell of the old wooden floors of the warehouse at Higgins Industrial Supply, at 101 E, Chestnut in Virginia. For the years of supporting our family and the kindness Jim showed, I shall remember him forever. My thoughts are with your family at this time, Ron_Albertson@Hotmail.comMinneapolis, MN 08/02/2011 10:31 PM
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