James Edward Higdon Sr.

James Edward Higdon, Sr., was born April 14, 1933, in Gadsden, Alabama, preceded in death by his wife Ellene Kern Higdon, who he married in Caribou, Maine, May 5, 1953; mother Hazel Higdon; father Roscoe Higdon; siblings Earskin, Bill, Lola Dean, and Granddaughter Courtney Cuellar. Survived by his children Jeanne Smith, Kathy Bustos, Cyndi Cuellar and husband Jesse; James Higdon Jr., and partner Susan Blevins; Tim Higdon; Bill Higdon and wife Tina; and Margie Higdon, 26 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Eugene; Jerry and wife Birtie; Kathleen, Willow Dean, Virginia and husband Bob; and companion Helen Richardson. He served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, was a Vietnam Veteran and received the Air Force Accommodation Medal. He also served for 21 years as a civil servant at Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 837 where he served in various positions which culminated as Vice Commander from 1996 –1997. He and Ellene, President of the Women’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 837, were avid participants in all the local parades where he proudly drove his decorated 1967 Mercury Cyclone convertible representing the Post. He loved to fish and was a diehard Cowboy fan and loved his Bama Crimson Tide. He loved to gamble with his kids. He loved to spend time with his grandkids and great grandkids. He took great pleasure in recording and taking pictures of all family gatherings. An avid fan of westerns, the quote from his favorite, John Wayne, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway,” depicts his courage in facing the many obstacles he faced throughout his life, military career, and medical issues. No matter what the challenge, he always “saddled up.”

“A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I was truly blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again. ”

Laura C Mercardo

In lieu of flowers donations to the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Family would be greatly appreciated in honor of James Edward Higdon Sr.

San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Family

C/O Hector Villareal

8622 Cheviot Heights

San Antonio Texas 78254