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Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Howard Avenue - Biloxi

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Biloxi, Mississippi

Jim Higginbotham Obituary

James J. "Jim" Higginbotham

1917~2013

Ocean Springs

James J. "Jim" Higginbotham, age 95, of Ocean Springs, MS passed on Friday, September 27, 2013 in Pass Christian, MS. He was born November 3, 1917 in Youngsville, LA as the 8th child of 13 children of James and Marie Higginbotham.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Nelson, Charles, Martin, Belin (Bill); his sisters, Laura, Mae, Annette, Marie (MiMi); 3 siblings who died at birth; his 1st wife Thelma; and 2nd wife Myrtis.

He is survived by his 5 children from his 1st wife Thelma: sons, Gary, Carroll (Mary K.), John, all of Ocean Springs, Eugene (Ila) of Saucier; and daughter, Mary Grace (John) Watts of D'Iberville; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; his brother, Stephen "Nook" of Lafayette, LA; & numerous nephews & nieces.

As a youth he worked the cane fields of South, LA before the family moved to Biloxi to work in the seafood industry. He later became a master boat builder on the Gulf Coast. During WWII he was pulled from the draft along with other master boat builders from the Gulf Coast to work in different yards along the Gulf Coast on Defense projects. Jim built 11 Texas trawlers & 2 Biloxi lugers in his own boat yard in Biloxi in the 1940's & early 1950's. He began his career in the shipbuilding industry in 1953 with Ingalls, where he worked until he retired.

He was a long standing member of the French Club in Biloxi and served as president several times. He was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus and lifetime member of 4th Degree. Jim loved dancing at the French Club, VFW and Mardi Gras Balls.

After his retirement he spent most of his time on his farm tending to his pecan trees and cattle. He was a devout Catholic and member of Christ the King Mission Church in Latimer. He is best known by family and friends for his delicious pecan pies.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Striegel & his staff at Bienville Medical Clinic in Ocean Springs, Pinnacle Hospice of D'Iberville and especially Kim Zuilly and her wonderful staff at Pass Oaks Assisted Living in Pass Christian for all their care and understanding during his illness.

Visitation will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 30, 2013 at Christ the King Mission Church in Latimer at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com

Published by The Sun Herald on Sep. 28, 2013.
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May Angels lift Uncle Jim's soul to the throne of GOD where he will be greeted with open arms to begin celebrating his eternal life as promised by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Donna & Kenny Higginbotham

October 1, 2013

It broke my heart to hear of "Paw Paw's" passing. I will always remember the kind things he said to me during the past 7 months of my care of him. Although we were not blood related, I came to consider him as part of my family. I will miss him dearly and always hold fond memories of him in my heart. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Traci Stephens

September 28, 2013

So sorry for your loss prayer sending to you all.

Cheri & Dwayne Thornhill

September 28, 2013

Mary, you are in my thoughts and pra

Donna Lollar

September 28, 2013

So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for you and your family.

Jeannie Sullivan-Mullen

September 28, 2013

We are sorry to hear about Uncle Jim. Our hearts hold many fond memories of your father. Our family is forever grateful and thankful for the wonderful brother he was to our father. Our Prayers are with you all. Claire & Gary Kingsland

Claire Kingsland

September 28, 2013

May you rest in peace now, no worries, no pain, your home. God Bless the family at this time of mourning. Our prayers are with you Gene and Ila, and the rest of the family.
Terry & Lawanda Norris, Stephen Thomas

Lawanda Thomas-Norris

September 28, 2013

Dear Cousins, our sympathies. My memories go back to Zet and Joe's home where we shared many "tall tales" and meals. I remember fellowship in your home there as well as when y'all were living in LaMarque, TX while he was building boats in Galveston. You have surely been blessed to have had him for all these years. Love, JT and Joan Agregard

September 28, 2013

Gene Ila and Ila Marie my heartful condolences go to you and all the Higginbotham family on the death of Mr Jim, he has certainly stored his riches in Heaven by the way he served the Lord on earth. May the soul of Jim Higginbotham and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace Amen

September 28, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Jim, i enjoyed visiting him and Bill with my daughter Maria. those two could tell stories for hours, and those pies he could make WOW! Now those two will be able to tell those stories together again! My prayers are with you all, Dane

Dane Fallo

September 28, 2013

Your Dad was a great carpenter; I had the previledge of working with him just out of high school and learned a great deal from him. He took the time and effort to provide me with the basis of my skills today. Jim was mentioned to a friend just a few days ago and what he had mentored and just how important it was to scribe it in place. Thanks Jim and my sympathy to the family.

Paul Starks

September 28, 2013

We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.

The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes

September 28, 2013

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675 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530

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