James Irwin Higens son of Earl and Margaret LaVon (Carter) Higens was born February 11, 1932 in Bloomfield, Iowa.
Jim joined the United States Marine Corp. on February 26, 1948 and was honorably discharged on September 20, 1957. He then began working as a heavy fire equipment operator for the California Department of Forestry Services. He worked for the Department of Forestry for 30 years.
Jim married Diane Schaffer on December 16, 1972 in Julian, California. He was a member of the American Legion Post #319, International Association of Fire Fighters, and California Department of Forestry Fire Fighters. Jim enjoyed playing cribbage, welding, was an avid reader and enjoyed western history and collecting John Wayne memorabilia. Another hobby of Jim's was for over 50 years he made over 100 batches of fudge every Christmas to give to family and special friends, and in later years to his many caregivers. It gave him great pleasure using his grandmother's recipe to do this for others. He also made awesome homemade ice cream for special occasions.
Jim passed away September 11, 2014 at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Marmet, stepfather Alvin Marmet and father Earl Higens and grandson Shawn Charles Foote. He is survived by wife Sheila of Nenzel, NE, children Barbara Higens, of Highland Mills, NY, Claudia Rossi of aescondido, CA, John Rossi and wife Sue, Michael Higens, Joseph Higens, daughter-in-heart Melissa Doucette and husband Brettall of San Diego, CA. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Funeral service for James Higens was held Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at the Nenzel Community Hall at 10:00 AM MT. Burial followed at St. Mary's Cemetery in Nenzel. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with funereal arrangements.