James Floyd Higgins
Sept. 24, 1938-Aug. 26, 2024
VASSAR – James Floyd Higgins passed away Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at his home near Vassar. He was 85.
He was born Sept. 24, 1938, in Plattsmouth, Neb., the son of Walter “Skip” and Helen (Snodgrass) Higgins. Jim or Jimmy, as he was known to most, was raised primarily in Leavenworth.
Jim served in the U.S. Army Reserves in the late 1950s.
He went to work at Hallmark Cards in Leavenworth, where he met the love of his life, Janet Ann Kelley. They were married March 14, 1959, and had two daughters, Angelique and Michele. The family was transferred to Topeka with Hallmark Cards, where Jim was a mechanical engineer department manager until his retirement.
Jim and Janet built their dream home near Vassar, close to his retirement, and resided there except for a couple years, when they moved to McLouth. Following Janet’s death in 2020, Jim moved back to Vassar to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Chuck, who reside next door to the ‘Home Place.”
He was an avid bird hunter, gardener, and all-around handyman who could build and/or fix just about anything. He enjoyed training and watching his bird dogs work, and telling everyone his “hunting” stories. In retirement, Jim and Janet were able to fulfil their dream of traveling, including visiting many foreign countries.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Janet, Jim was also preceded in death by his daughter, Angelique Grady; his parents, Walter and Helen; and four brothers, Ed, Ted, Roger and Terry Higgins.
He is survived by his daughter, Michele Loeffler (Chuck), Vassar; his son-in-law, Jon Grady (Jennifer), Mission; two brothers, Gary Higgins (Joann) and Dennis Higgins (Mary), Easton; a sister, Janice Dill (Jamie), Nebraska; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, Vassar. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. Services will be streamed at https://bit.ly/m/zionvassar for those unable to attend.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
Condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
