Vassar - James Floyd Higgins, 85, passed away on August 26, 2024, at his home near Vassar, Kansas. He was born on September 24, 1938, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, 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 50's. He went to work at Hallmark Cards in Leavenworth where he met the love of his life, Janet Ann Kelley. They were married on March 14, 1959, and had two daughters Angelique and Michele.

The family was transferred to Topeka with Hallmark Cards where he was a mechanical engineer department manager until his retirement. They built their dream home near Vassar close to his retirement and resided there except for a couple of years when they moved to McLouth. Jim moved back to Vassar to live with his daughter Michele and her husband Chuck who reside next door to the 'Home Place' after Janet's death in 2020.

Jim 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.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Janet, of 61 years; his daughter, Angelique Grady; by his parents, Walter and Helen; and his four brothers, Ed, Ted, Roger and Terry Higgins.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Michele (Chuck) Loeffler of Vassar; his son in law, Jon (Jennifer) Grady of Mission; his two brothers, Gary (Joann) Higgins and Dennis (Mary) Higgins of Easton; his sister, Janice (Jamie) Dill of Nebraska; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Jim will be at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September 7, at the Zion Lutheran Church at Vassar. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm at the Church. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451. Online condolences for the family may be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
Feltner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Services will be streamed at https://bit.ly/m/zionvassar for those unable to attend.