Archibald Thomas Higgins Jr.

Early in the morning of April 15, 2015, Archibald Thomas Higgins, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep at the age of ninety one, after having lived a truly extraordinary life. Mr. Higgins was born in 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Emelda Niklaus Higgins and Judge Archibald Thomas Higgins, a member of the Louisiana Supreme Court. It was at the Isadore Newman School that he met his first wife, Jacquelin Patricia Bisso. In 1942, at the age of 18, Mr. Higgins volunteered for the United States Army Air Corps. While in flight school in Texas, Jacquelin visited Archie and they were married in secret on the military base where he was stationed, before he left for World War II. And leave he did, in 1943, when he was called to defend his country in the Pacific Theatre. As a B-24 pilot and First Lieutenant, he was assigned to the 866th Bomb Squadron. In all, Mr. Higgins flew forty bombing missions in the Pacific. For his service in World War II, Mr. Higgins was awarded The Air Medal, "for missions accomplished with distinction above and beyond that normally expected each displaying high skill and courage, inflicting severe damage to enemy held bases and shipping." In addition, he was awarded six Bronze Oak Clusters for skill and courage. Mr. Higgins was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, "for extraordinary achievement, and for cool courage in the face of great danger, the high degree of professional skill and the devotion to duty displayed, and exemplifying the highest traditions of the Army Air Force." After returning home from the War, Mr. Higgins attended Tulane University and was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. In 1946, Mr. Higgins became a member of Metairie Country Club. In 1947, he founded the Archie T. Higgins, Junior Insurance Company. He and his wife Jackie welcomed their daughter Peggy Ann Higgins in 1950 and their son Archibald Thomas Higgins, III in 1953. He was a tremendously loving father and husband, as well as being deeply involved in the New Orleans community. He served as President of the New Orleans Charity Horse Show and was a member of the Rex Krewe for 40 years. He was also a member of Bacchus and Hermes. Mr. Higgins served on the Vestry of Christ Church Cathedral and, in later years, was a member of Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. Mr. Higgins was also a 32nd Degree Mason. In 1973, he lost his wife Jacquelin to a battle with leukemia. They were married for thirty wonderful years. E.N. Bisso and Son is a family owned tugboat company, founded in 1880. After the passing of his first wife, Mr. Higgins helped to lead the Company's operations from 1973 until 1995. Mr. Higgins also served on the Board of Directors of E.N. Bisso and Son until the time of his death. His work at the company was a significant part of his legacy and meant so much to him, and to his family. In 1980, Archie Higgins met Lynne, the second love of his life. They were married on December 20, 1984. Together they spent thirty years travelling the world and sharing a love of dancing, hunting and conservation and, most importantly, their family. They went to Africa six times together, where Mr. Higgins got the "Big Five". He was a Life Member of Safari Club International and the National Rifle Association. Archie and Lynne shared homes in New Orleans, Destin and on the YO Ranch in Texas. Archie and Lynne were the most incredible grandparents to all of their six grandchildren, as well as to one great grandchild. His family and friends remember him for his strength and integrity, his wonderful sense of humor, his love of flying and the outdoors, as well as for being an incredible dancer and a consummate gentleman. He has forever impacted each of their lives. His tremendous strength and spirit live on in his remaining family. He is survived by his loving wife, Lynne Higgins, as well as his brother Bob Higgins and his daughter Peggy Higgins Sewell (Carl) and his son Tom Higgins (Liz). He is also survived by Lynne's children Leah Venae, Scott Richardson (Roianne), David Richardson and Jeff Richardson (Nhung). And finally by his grandchildren, Jacquelin Sewell Taylor and Carl Sewell, III, Max Boas, Erika Boas Powell, Andy Richardson and Brian Richardson, and great grandchild Ian Richardson. A small private celebration of Mr. Higgins' life will be held for his family at Metairie Cemetery on Saturday, April 18th. Those wishing to pay their respects may visit his family at Metairie Country Club from half past twelve to half past two pm on Saturday, April 18th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The World War II Museum in the name of Archibald Thomas Higgins, Jr. Mr. Higgins was a founding member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans and his flight suit can be seen on display in the Museum. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.