James Higley

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of a great man, James Walter Higley, on August 10, 2025 at age 91. He was born in Ogden, Utah on August 27, 1933, to Walter and Irene Higley. A lifelong resident of Utah, James resided in Farr West, creating countless memories and leaving behind an indelible mark on all who knew him.

James was previously married to Berniel Watts, with whom he shared four children. They later divorced.

James was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Army Airforce from 1953 to 1955 in Korea. He was also a remarkable man of many talents and passions. He took great pride in his work as the owner of an auto body repair shop, a job that married his love for cars and meticulous attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship. Whether he was boating, camping under the starlit sky, or cheering on the Utah Jazz and Denver Broncos, James was at his happiest when he was surrounded by family, friends, and nature.

James found his true companion and soulmate in Judy, his wife of 42 years. Their bond was the kind of love that inspires, a testament to their unwavering devotion. Judy survives James, carrying on his legacy of love. James is also survived by his children, James Dee (Sally) Higley, Linda Player, Kay (Scott) Beck, Ann (Gary) Norman, Julie (Mike) Bielik, Jody (Mike) King, Danny (Angela) Reeder, David (Victoria) Reeder, Michael Reeder, 29 grandchildren, and countless great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and his sister, Jane Sorenson. James was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Irene, his stepfather, Noble, his sisters Janice Weaver and Joanne Shepherd, brothers-in-law Gary Sorenson and Rob Shephard; his grandsons Logan Bateman, and Shane Player; his great-grandchildren Savvy King and Conner Craig. Special thanks are extended to the Caregivers Support Network, Lisa Mendez, and Ian Huber, whose kindness and care for James in his later years were truly appreciated. Special thanks to our granddaughter Tanya Pearson along with his son Michael Reeder for keeping the night watch over him.

James' life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and unyielding spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him and those who will come to know him through their stories.

We invite you to share your memories of James and upload photos of him on his memorial page, to help us celebrate and remember the extraordinary life he lived. Your stories and photos will serve as a reminder of James' spirit, his loving nature, and his extraordinary life.

Viewings will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah and on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Poplar Ward Church House, 2131 North 2000 West, Farr West, UT. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Interment at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch in Ogden, Utah.