James Vincent Higgins

On the Morning of Tuesday October 4, 2022 Jim Higgins surrendered his soul to the waiting arms of our Lord surrounded by members of his immediate family. Sonya, his wife, along with his children and grandchildren were afforded the privilege of being on hand as Jim went home.

Jim was born to Gertrude and Vincent Paul Higgins on March 22, 1942 in Lakewood Ohio. He lived all of his early life in Lakewood attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with his family. He enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians play ball, going to the Browns games and spending time on the lake with his Mother, Father and Sisters. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School, where he lettered in track and played varsity football; Jim attended John Carrol University continuing to benefit from the traditional structure of the Jesuit College experience. While at John Carrol he remained active in sports by participating in track, football and baseball as well as basketball and ROTC.

Jim met and married his lifelong companion, friend, and wife, Sonya while working at the Cleveland Public Library on Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland Ohio. After being married, Jim and Sonya settled into life in Lakewood Ohio near most of their immediate family.

Like many young men Jim tried his hand at a variety of jobs including a short stint working as a private investigator as well as working as an apprentice machinist with the Lake Erie Corporation. Soon after marrying Sonya, Jim was hired by American Airlines where he would work through many aspects of the airline industry. Jim and Sonya moved their family from Cleveland Ohio to Cinnaminson New Jersey which left him to commute across the Delaware River daily so that he could continue his career with American Airlines in Philadelphia. He eagerly accepted a position with American Airlines at the newly opened DFW Airport in September of 1973 moving his family to the DFW metroplex and ultimately establishing a homestead in Colleyville Texas shortly thereafter. After an impressive career with American Airlines that spanned forty years, Jim retired from American Airlines. Even though this was a well-deserved retirement; his fondness for travel and desire to be productive drove Jim to establish a private company which enabled him to work and travel globally.

Jim Higgins was an ardent family man throughout his life, devoting his energies to raising his children with Sonya. He coached basketball, soccer and other sports as well as having assisted with Scouting leadership. He frequently chauffeured his family to and from athletic venues, dance rehearsals, recitals, and of course school and Sunday Mass. When not working to support his family, he spent much of his time improving his family’s home property and employing his mechanical skills on various vehicles. Jim volunteered for his community in the roles of volunteer firefighter and as an EMT for many years. He was a lifelong Catholic and active parishioner of Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, Texas as well as a proud fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Although he was an exceptionally good Father and devoted husband, Jim seemed to most enjoy his role as Grandfather. He was especially happy when spending time with his Grandson and Granddaughters. He was equally proud of each of his Grandchildren’s accomplishments and heartbroken for them when circumstances weren’t in their favor. He enjoyed watching his Grandson eat footlong chili dogs and sharing ice cream sundaes at Mayberry’s Ice Cream Parlor. Jim enjoyed sharing trips to the ice cream parlor with his Granddaughters as well along with naps in the living room chairs and stories which he would read as the grandchildren drifted off to sleep. He often commented on and recalled day long excursions to the Fort Worth Zoo with all of his Grandchildren. He enjoyed participating in school events with his Granddaughters and appreciated dance recitals and spelling bees equally.

Jim is survived by his wife Sonya, their loving daughter Angel and her husband Rex, grandchildren Claire, Rachel, and Collin, his devoted son Vince and his wife Deborah as well as his sisters Nancy Varosky and Eileen Fuller.

Our family invites all to participate in praying the Holy Rosary on Thursday October 27th, 7:00pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1000 Tinker Rd. 76034. Funeral Mass, a celebration of life, will be celebrated on Friday October 28th, 11:00am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the columbarium on the Church grounds. A reception will follow at the parish.

Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High. May Christ, Who called him, take Jim to Himself; may angels lead Jim to Abraham's side. Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High. Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may Your light shine upon him forever.

Donations can be made “In memory of Jim Higgins”. http://www.gscc.net/grmhcampaign