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James Higgins Obituary
William Robey and Michael and Debby Higgins and father-in-law of Debbie Higgins and Lynette Higgins. Grandfather of Kathleen Borrison, James, Colin and Garrett Higgins. Brother-in-law of Dr. Stephen Poor. He was predeceased by his 2 sons Timothy James Higgins and James Michael Higgins.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3-5 and 7-9 PM for a memorial gathering at the Eckhardt Funeral Chapel P.A. 11605 Reisterstown Rd. Owings Mills. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday 11 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 65 Sacred Heart Lane, Glyndon. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3672, Glyndon, MD 21074. Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Higgins
Jim Cassaday
December 21, 2024
Think of him often
Jim Cassaday
December 21, 2022
Think of him all the time!
Jim Cassaday
December 21, 2021
Still think of him often.
Jim Cassaday
December 21, 2020
Still think of him often when watching sports on the tv.
Jim Cassaday
December 21, 2019
The last thing he said to me at my Hall of Fame induction was (Im proud of you Jimmy)
Jim Cassaday
December 21, 2012
Really miss you Coach!
Bob Young
January 18, 2012
Barbara, my condolances to you and the rest of your family. We have all lost a great influence in our lives. Coach will be missed by many. I just heard about his passing today and apologize for not being there to attend his funeral. Please know that it was easy to love this man...he was tough when we all needed tough! And wise when we needed guidance. I'll miss him.
Robin Hood
December 31, 2011
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to your family at the loss of Jim. My entire life as a high school, college, semi-professional athlete and 30 year Physical Education instructor, Football, Basketball, and Baseball coach, is 90% due to the influence and guidance of Coach! I respected him as a mentor and coach and loved him for the man he was! I, for one, think of him often and re-tell many stories of the times we shared together at Milford Mill. I did not hear of his passing until today Dec. 31st., or I would have surely been in attendance at his viewing and funeral. Please know that Jim has touched thousands of lives in a positive way, including mine. Though I have had dozens of coaches in my career I can honestly say Jim Higgins was my favorite. God bless Jim, you, and your family at this difficult time. Robin Hood (Milford Mill class of 69)
rick sullivan
December 31, 2011
my deepest sympathy to the Higgins family. I remember coach Higgins with fond memories and great respect. he was a pillar in RHS history. God bless you coach.
Craig Feaser
December 30, 2011
Condolences to the Higgins family. He was a great ambassador to the game of football at Randallstown High School. After 40 yrs he is one of the few instructors I still talk about who had a strong influence in my life. He will be remembered for many things - the one that I will remember is my cousin's first buzz haircut by the coach in "HIS OFFICE" Craig Feaser (Class of 71)
Joanne & Kenny Miller
December 30, 2011
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Higgins family on your loss. Coach leaves behind quite a legacy, other than his own family, he has not just touched a few hundred kids, he has impacted the lives of many generations by being there for those young men who wouldn't otherwise know what it is to be a man. He lead by example and taught what it takes to be a man, and thanks to Coach Higgins, my husband is the kind of man a mother wants her daughter to marry. I married one of the young men that had the priviledge of being taught by Coach and made a difference in his life. Lots of lifes lessons are taught through sports, and we are among the lucky ones that had the opportunity to learn from Coach Higgins. He didn't try to be a great man, he just was. He had the ability to look beyond the rough exterior and see the potential within. Thank you Higgins family for your selflessness and support of him by letting us share him and learn from him. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit comfort you during your time of grief. Gods blessings to all of you. (RHS 1974)
Chuck & Sandi Haertig
December 29, 2011
With heavy heart, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Higgins Family.
Chuck and I especially enjoyed our visits with Coach and Barbara, talking about old times, politics and whatever came to mind. He had a wonderful way of making you feel special and always remembered the stories shared. We will miss you terribly Coach! Barbara, let us know if you need anything, we're here for you. Love, Chuck & Sandi (Dennison) Haertig
John & Angela Dotson
December 29, 2011
We were so sorry to hear the news today that Jim had passed away. He will be missed. Please know that we are remembering all your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce Moore '73
December 29, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the entire Higgins family. I know Jim will be missed. Thanks for sharing him with all of his players over the many years. He was an excellent Coach, Teacher, and mentor.
Barbara Buhite Flint
December 29, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Higgins family and friends. May your memories and the memories expressed by the people whose lives Mr. Higgins touched bring you peace at this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy ~ Barbara
Randallstown Class of 1974
Mike Passarello
December 29, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Higgins family. I have many memories of his PE classes, practices and how he "policed" the gym/locker room.
RIP Coach. You touched the lives of many!
Steve Roscher
December 29, 2011
Barbara,
I was with Msgr. Aiken when you called Christmas morning and informed him of Jim's passing. I was deeply saddened to hear that news. Nonetheless, it made me reflect on what a pleasure it was to get to know him since 2006 when I started attending the weekday 7 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart. I always enjoyed our conversations after Mass and appreciated his constant support and encouragement as I progressed through the Deacon Formation Program until my ordination last May. I had only known Jim by reputation prior to coming to Sacred Heart. My wife, Nancy, who had attended Randallstown High School (class of 1972) and played three varsity sports always told me, "Coach Higgins. What a good guy." She was right! Our prayers are with you as you face this loss. Jim will remain in the hearts of the countless people that he touched as a teacher, coach, friend, family member and Christian.
Michael Blecman
December 28, 2011
My condolences to the Higgins family. You were a leader that many of us looked up to and wanted to be like. You have influenced more people than you realize. You taught many of us about life and being all we could be.
RIP coach you will be greatly missed!
Brian Ruch
December 28, 2011
The Class of 81 graduate, I remember Coach Higgins as a man who thoroughly enjoyed his job, coaching kids with a sense of humor that drove home the importance in doing your best. Thirty years later, I would see him every Sunday at 7:30 am Mass, with his head buried in his Mass book, taking collection or handing out the weekly bulletins. I was so proud the one day I introduced him to my family. Every once in awhile, you meet that special someone that impacts you life for the better...God sent us Coach Higgins. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Arnie Gries
December 28, 2011
As a Randallstown Class of '76 student, I had the pleasure of seeing Coach Higgins nearly every day for the 3 years I was at RHS. Many of my friends and neighbors played on the Rams football and basketball teams he coached. I hope the sorrow the famly feels will be eased somewhat by the fact that the Coach influenced so many young lives for the better. RIP, Coach Higgins. The Randallstown Rams family will always remember you.
Joe Bosley III
December 28, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Higgins family. He hired me to work with Reggie Johnson and Dave Lloyd on the JV football team and later to work with Coach Lowe in the wrestling. I taught history and coached football, wrestling and baeball (with Dr. Peddicord) at Higgins HS in the 1980s. Coach Higgins was always tough but fair. He was a patriot. After 28 years as a teacher I still proudly and loudly recite the pledge every morning, just as he did. I think of Coach Higgins often. Coach, I hope you are sitting around a table now talking football with my Dad, Reggie Johnson, Bill Urban, Al Mund and Woody Hayes. RIP Coach.
Russ Younkers
December 28, 2011
Coach Higgins: You will never be forgotten. You gave me my buzz cut haircuts in the coach's office. You were my soccer coach, basketball coach and physical education teacher. You were a good guy, bigger than life and fun to play for. God bless you and your family.
Jeff Degitz
December 28, 2011
A very sad day for the Randallstown Rams and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing Coach Higgins. He was a good man who truly loved sports & life and was a positive influence on his players and students. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Higgins family and friends and we hope that you find comfort in memories of time spent together.
Howard Mooney
December 28, 2011
Barbara and Family
Jim's passing was quite a shock to Jane and I. Jim and I opened Randallstown High in August 1969 and it was he who built the athletic program into one of the best in Maryland. He selected the school colors, the mascot, the coaching staff, and became the "godfather" of the school house. I will treasure the times that we spent working together and his favorite nickname for me "Little H'. Jim was a great inspiration and certainly helped me prepare for the greater challeges that lie ahead in my life. you will be missed. MG(Ret) Howard T. Mooney Jr.
Michael Lehman
December 27, 2011
Even though I did not have Coach Higgins as a teacher directly, his impact at Randallstown was immeasurable. My condolenscences to the family and friends.
Worthington Washington
December 27, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of Coach Higgin's passing. He was a awesome coach, teacher and just a great man. Two of my brothers were also coached by him, my brother Chester had passed this past April and he was also a teacher and I know he had to be there to welcome coach Higgins to heaven. My brothers and I will never forget him because my brother Albert had played basketball for Milford Mill and they had won their division. Coach Higgins took the team to the Double "T" Diner in Catonsville to celebrate but they would not serve my brother because he is afro-american. Coach Higgins took the team out of the Double "T" Diner and went to Ginos. That is what I call a great leader and a real man, God bless him and his family.
Darryl Conney
December 27, 2011
Coach Higgins,
Thank you for all you have done for me. I would not be the man, Father or Football Coach I am today.
In fact, I attribute my desire to become a coach based on my admiration of Coach Higgins, Coach Johnson and Coach Mund, three exceptional men!
Coach taught me how men are expected to act and the responsibility associated with being a man. A life's lesson in 2 years!
RIP Coach - Miss you dearly!
Ann & Bill Doherty
December 27, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to Barbara and family. What an amazing man who touched so many lives. We were blessed to have known him and enjoyed staying in touch with him the past 35 years or so. Our love to beautiful and gracious Barbara ....
Ann and Bill
Denise Johnson
December 27, 2011
Barbara, Maureen, Michael, and families,
We are so very, very sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. He had such a profound influence on Speedy's life, both personally and professionally. We always loved the surprise phone calls received from him declaring, "This is Speedy's forever boss, Put him on the phone, please." And then they'd talk for what seemed like forever. Jim also understood the enigmatic personality of our own Reggie, and would express his feelings to Speedy, Reg loved Jim as well. On my own personal note, I loved the conversations Jim and I would have when he came to mow on a Saturday morning when I lifeguarded a RR Swimming Pool. What a character he was! I must tell you also, Barb, that you were my role model as to how to be a 'coach's wife'. I remember a game at Randallstown before Speedy and I were married. You, and Mary, and I were standing on the hill watching a game when a frustrated fan began berating Jim. You very calmly tapped the gentleman on the shoulder and said, "That is my husband you're speaking of and, if you're going to continue talking like this, I wish that you would move elsewhere." Unfortunately, there have been times in Speedy's career where I haven't been quite as gracious. The world has lost a wonderful person. I hope he and Reggie are having a football conversation right now,
Denise and Speedy Johnson
Michael Plank
December 27, 2011
Coach Higgins was a wonderful man, coach, teacher and mentor to many young men at Randallstown High School, including me. He was a great individual, it was an honor to have known him.
Robert Finney
December 27, 2011
My condolences to Jim's beautiful wife, Barbara, and the rest of the Higgins family. Coach Higgins was one of the most important influences for me growing up for all of the attention and love he displayed to me and to the rest of the Milford Mill athletic teams. He was tough but fair and he taught us all how to be better men. I will miss him very much. May God be with you Coach.
Bob Finney, 1961
Jim Cassaday
December 27, 2011
He was one of the greatest influences in my life. Thanks to God, he could be with me at my HOF induction. I'll miss you Coach.
Malik Brooks
December 27, 2011
My condolences to the Higgins Family, Mr. Higgins was my Phys Ed teacher my senior year at Randalltown Sr. High, I really enjoyed his class and glad to have have had him as a teacher.
Steven Tapper
December 27, 2011
I was saddened to hear about the passing of James Higgins. My condolences go out to his wife and family. Jim was an outstanding teacher and coach who made a lasting impression on many of his students at Milford Mill High School. May his memory be for a blessing.
Steve Tapper
Ron Sollod
December 27, 2011
Condolences to the Higgins Family. I knew him as a teacher, coach and mentor at the old Milford Mill High School. One of the best coaches I had.
Ron Sollod
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