James (Jim) Francis Higgins Jr. passed away peacefully Tuesday October 21, 2014, one day after celebrating his 69th wedding anniversary. Jim was born in Butte, Montana to Mabel and James Higgins on May 8, 1923. Jim’s family moved to Helena in 1927 where his parents operated the Park Hotel on Last Chance Gulch.
At an early age Jim sold newspapers in the downtown area and became well-acquainted with every merchant within the “gulch area.” Jim attended St. Helena Grade School and graduated from Helena Cathedral High School in 1941 after which he attended Carroll College where he majored in business. He was a great supporter of Carroll activities throughout his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Gabel in the St. Helena Cathedral on October 20, 1945 and together they raised seven children. Jim was a gentleman and a “gentle man.” Jim always had a smile and made many lasting friends.
Jim owned and operated the Higgins Oil Company. For 29 years he distributed fuel to many Helena businesses and delivered heating oil to families in the surrounding area. After selling the business in 1978 he enjoyed a short two year retirement. He went to work for Norwest Bank in the marketing department in May of 1980 and remained there until 1985 when he decided it was time to retire again.
Jim was a lifetime member of the Cathedral of St. Helena and was active in church activities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Knight in the order of the 4th degree. He was a charter member of the Exchange Club. Jim was also a member of the Elks Club, Jaycees and board member of the Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed golf and bowling for many years. The Higgins’ resided in Helena for their entire married life and enjoyed many winters as snowbirds in California and Arizona.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary, grandsons, Michael and Justin Young, and sister in law, June Gabel.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Dorothy, children – Tom (Sherri) Higgins, Kay (Homer) Young, Jim Higgins, and Helen Higgins all of Helena; Marian Higgins of Bozeman; Jean (Jim) Sewell of Bigfork, Montana, and John (Jackie) Higgins of Auburn, Washington, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, sister in law Marjorie Merrill, niece Marsha Merrill, nephew Joe Merrill and several cousins. Special thanks to Dr. Weiner, his nursing staff, the caring and compassionate staff at Touchmark, and Msgr. Kevin S. O’Neill with the Cathedral of Saint Helena.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2014 from the Cathedral of Saint Helena. A funeral reception will follow in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will be at Resurrection Cemetery approximately 2:30 p.m. Memorials in Jim’s name are suggested to Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation P.O. Box 871847 Kansas City Missouri 64187-1847 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 28, 2014
Cathedral of Saint Helena
9th Avenue and N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following Funeral Mass
Tuesday October 28, 2014
Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral
9th Avenue and N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 28, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 28, 2014
Cathedral of Saint Helena
9th Avenue and N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following Funeral Mass
Tuesday October 28, 2014
Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral
9th Avenue and N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 28, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Glen Cuchine says
My deepest sympathy with prayers for Dode and family. Jim and Dode were neighbors for many years and no one could ask for better neighbors. Jim always had a smile and ‘hello’ for everyone. Jim was one of Helena’s finest citizens for many years.
Mimi Kintli says
May your memories provide comfort during this time of sorrow. Sincerest Sympathies to everyone.
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dode and the entire HIggins family, so sorry for your loss .
Ronda Davis says
Tom & Sheri Mae…sorry for your loss.. Thinking of you.
Deacon Gerry Kuhl says
…a very good and wise man who truly loved the Lord has been called to meet Him…and, without doubt, the reunion will be heavenly. Jim served with great value and distinction on the Board of the Helena Diocese Foundation during my tenure as Director…and his advice and wisdom were always contributive so as to help assure the sound management and gain for the patrimony of the Church. May he rest in peace.
My prayers and solace,
Gerry Kuhl
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
Our prayers to all of you.
Pat Flynn McCarthy says
Dear Dode and family, I am so sorry to hear about the death of Jim. Dode, you and Jim just warmed my heart when ever I saw you. You were such a big part of our family when my Dad worked for the oil co. When we lost our Dad so young you and Jim were always so loving for the rest of our life. Jim is certainly up there in heaven looking down and loving all of you. Pat Flynn McCarthy