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James Biggins Obituary

James E. "Jim" Biggins, 78 of Manatee County died October 2nd at home. He was born in Joliet Illinois, the son of the late James John and Elizabeth Henrietta Kohley Biggins. An avid entrepreneur all of his life, he was a talented master mechanic, aviator, motorcycle enthusiast, successful business owner and genuine pillar of the community. Following his graduation in 1953 from Joliet Catholic High School he served in the Marine Corp during the Korean War. Survived by four children with wife Shirley; James J, Michael R (Elizabeth), Kristin R, and Kimberly R (Stephen) and 6 adoring grandchildren; Ann-Marie Biggins, Elizabeth Cornwell, James "Jimmy" Biggins, Ella Biggins, Finndan Norton and Shepherd Norton. A beloved father and enthusiastic grandfather, he loved and was loved dearly by his family. A kind brother to 3 sisters; Mary Kinzler (Gordon), Elizabeth Connor (the late Patrick), Cathi and 2 brothers: Edward (Sue) and William. His pioneering and adventurous spirit led him to Florida in the early 70's with his lifelong best friends, Joe Whalen, the late Jim Chully, and their families. The result of his decision to move was reflected each morning with a simple phrase, "Just another beautiful day in paradise". Born a fiery Irishman, he was a dear friend to many, generous to all, and driven by passion. A special thank you to those who cared so deeply for him, his wonderful friend Susan Swanson, Dr. David Krull, and Dr. Tony Pizzo. Many stories will be told of his gallant adventures and bold sense of humor. He will be missed. A funeral mass will be held to celebrate his life on Friday, October 11th at 3:30 in the afternoon at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Palmetto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mary and Martha House for abused women and children; PO Box 1251, Ruskin, FL 33575.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bradenton Herald from Oct. 6 to Oct. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Biggins

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Jim and Sherry

October 1, 2023

Can´t believe it´s been ten years since Jim went home to glory. His great love for his family, friends and every new friend he made along the way keeps him close to us even after these years. The last time we spent together, he told us that he loved us and I had a sad feeling that he maybe he was saying goodbye.
We will always remember those early years on Nuclear Drive and the new adventures in Florida. He was a very special person and every time we think of him we can´t help but smile. Jim and Sherry Oldani

December 7, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the Biggins family during this difficult time. May the "Hearer of Prayers" comfort you now and in the times ahead. - Psalm 65:2

December 7, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the Biggins family during this difficult time. May the "Hearer of Prayers" comfort you now and in the times ahead. - Psalm 65:2

William Oser

October 11, 2013

Although I didn't know James personally, it has been my distinct honor to work with member of his family. I wish all of you peace and comfort at this time.

Colleen Turner

October 9, 2013

Wish I could be there with all of you. Love and hugs to my cousins.

sharon boslet

October 9, 2013

A close knit family is a special blessing from God and yours is one of those blessed families. Thinking of you Cath,

October 8, 2013

My hear goes out to you all. Be strong. Your dad will always be with you. Prayers and hugs to you all.

David & Cathy Slentz

October 8, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

October 8, 2013

Our deepest sorrow to the Biggins family. Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. He will be missed greatly.
The Lab at North River Family Health Center

Steve & Stacie Velliquette

October 8, 2013

Mr. Biggins will always be in our hearts. We send love and prayers for peace, to you all.... He was a very special man and that wonderful light, will always shine through his amazing children and grandchildren. Love and Blessings, Steve & Stacie

Dawn McMichael

October 8, 2013

To Cathi, Susan and family, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.

Wendy Edler

October 8, 2013

Kristen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Kellie Maffeo Rodriguez

October 8, 2013

Forever grateful to all the kind & loving things Uncle Jim did throughout his life. He had a HUGE heart... Keeping you all in our prayers.
All our love,
Kellie, Ramon, Olivia, Sophia and Daniel

Linda and Bob Nachtrieb

October 8, 2013

We have two strong images of Jimmy: the most vivid is of his many arrivals in Joliet on a motorcycle as though he was coming from a few blocks away, when he had driven all the way from Florida. The other is Jimmy starting a neighbor's old boat, which hadn't been run in years, in 20 minutes. Fun, friendly, generous, tough, and able to do anything. His family has our heart-felt sympathies. We miss him, too.

Linda Oxendine

October 8, 2013

Deepest sympathy to All of you, may you find peace in knowing he left a wonderful legacy-

Esther Thrift

October 8, 2013

I'm sending prayers for you and your family's comfort and peace during this time. I'm truly sorry for your loss, your not alone.

Patricia Temple

October 8, 2013

To the Biggins family, even though I did not get to meet all of you I have met Keleigh whom I regard as friend. This is not the end for you all. Keep hold to the memories and your father/husband will be alive forever. He is a lot closer than you think. All you have to do is start the conversation and he is there listening to you. My deepest sympathies for you and the family may you find the strength to continue on each and every day.

Pat Whitesel

October 8, 2013

Jim Jr.and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Angie Nichols

October 8, 2013

Jim ,
My condolences go out to you and you're family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie N.

Bill Mulcahy

October 8, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Janet Beatty

October 7, 2013

My condolences and heartfelt sadness for your loss. You Kristin, and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Paul and Harriatt Smith

October 7, 2013

Dear Family, Paul and will certainly miss Dear Jim, He was a good person, He was a good friend... He will be dearly missed by Us and many, many, people.

October 7, 2013

Dear Kim and Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad was a wonderful man who raised a beautiful family through love and honor. May you feel Gods presence and love at difficult time. Phil and Maryann Wilson.

Teri Kaklis Dees

October 7, 2013

What a tremendous man! He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

October 7, 2013

Our sincere sympathy to Jim's family.

He was the kindest and most generous person. Jim made everyone feel so special.

We will all miss him.

Sincerely,

Judy and Jim McGuire

October 7, 2013

Your dad was a special guy and I know you all will miss him so. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely,
Stacey Limberg and Dane Limberg

Mark Officer & Andrea Percy

October 7, 2013

Our Deepest Sympathy. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Jim was a great man.

Mary Connor-Czuba

October 6, 2013

Dear Aunt Shirley, and Cousins: Jim, Michael, Kristin and "Cracker" Kimmie,& all your families!
You're all in my(our)thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the fun filled summer that I spent with your family in 1976. Peace be with all of you! Love, Mary Connor-Czuba

James McLeod

October 6, 2013

I worked with Jim at Oil Masters in Palmetto 20 years ago. He was an amazing bossman and great friend as well. My condolence to his family.

Nancy Carter

October 6, 2013

Mary, Elizabeth and Family, Sorry to learn of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

louisand ann chully

October 6, 2013

my sincere sympathy to the family of jim biggins. jim was truly a renaissance man.he did everything. I spent good times with jim and brother jim chully.it was alwaysa good day being with jim biggins.

Cynthia Keller

October 6, 2013

Dear Kristin: Very sorry to just read about your dad. I remember our conversations a few years back about how close you are with him and how much he means to you. May your tears eventually leave room for the joy of him. Lots of love, Cynthia Keller from fellowship

Jim and Sherry Oldani

October 6, 2013

We are so sad to hear of Jim's passing. We spent a wonderful day with him earlier this year and as always, he was full excitement about everything he did. We will never forget those early years when we were neighbors and all the fun times when we visited after his move to Florida. Jim's love of life and people was evident in everything he did. He was an exceptional human being and he will be missed by so many. Our best wishes and deepest sympathy to his family.

ed & judy kubinski

October 6, 2013

we are sorry to hear of jims' passing. condolences to the family.

Moe & Kay Moleski

October 6, 2013

Jim and Family, You were a great friend and will be dearly missed one and all. Having you as a friend was an honor and will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Our prayers go out to you children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. We love you Jim.

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