Jimmie "Jim" Joe Higbee

Jimmie “Jim” Joe Higbee was carried to his eternal rest on Sunday, July 12, 2020. A virtual funeral service will take place, Friday, July 17, 2020 starting at 11:00 am. Please log on to facebook.com/chapelhillbutler to view the livestream of Jim’s service. Shortly before the appointed time, the livestream will begin. If you do not see the livestream on your screen, please refresh your screen. You might need to scroll down to see the livestream. You are welcome to join us at the graveside service starting at approximately 11:45 am, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.

Jim burst forth into this life on December 9, 1940 to the proud parents, James A. and Lila Fay Higbee. He shared his childhood with two older brothers, Raymond and Thomas Thaxton, both preceding him in death, and a younger sister, Darla Culbertson, whom he adored. His father and mother’s brothers and sisters formed an extended parental bond and their children became his brothers and sisters in all manner of mischiefs, laughter, and love. Those relationships have never waned.

He married his sweetheart, Joanne Subelka, on June 2 1962 and proceeded to fill their home with 3 daughters. He eventually gave up on his dream of having a son and his daughters did their best to find the love of sports he was determined to share.

He joined his father in a career as a metal lather, working in commercial construction and was a member of the Lathers’ Union for over 30 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his craft and the shared camaraderie of his Union brothers. Following his retirement, he worked part-time for the T-Bones Organization. His combined passion for baseball and people made it his dream job.

Jim had a talent for making friends everywhere he went. His profound faith provided him the assurance of this world’s predominant light.

He absolutely loved life and exercised every opportunity presented to prolong his time with us. As a result, he witnessed the marriage of his eldest grandson and his eldest granddaughter’s (Not to each other!) and more recently, the birth of his first great-granddaughter, who kept him in constant delight. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

So, we celebrate the life he lived and refuse, as he did, to wear a mantle of grief. Lift your gaze because that is where you now find him and think of him with a song in your heart and a really silly joke on your lips.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving bride of 58 years, Joanne Higbee; his daughters, Holly Stack, Hilary Trumble, and Helene Higbee (Greg Woolford); grandchildren, Ryan (Shelby) Yearout, Mackenzie (Sarah Turk) Trumble, Chelsea Beach, Donald (Alexis) Stack, Jenna Wright, Harrison Woolford, and Madeline Woolford; great-granddaughter, Blakely Lynne Yearout; sister, Darla Culbertson; Ex-Sons-In-Law, too many to mention (He Loved You So Much!); along with other relatives and friends.