James Higgins Obituary, Native Of New York, NY, Has Sadly Died

ElizabethBrian

James Higgins Obituary, Death – Hello, James C. NEW HARTFORD, New York. Following a brief illness, James C. Higgins, 93, of New Hartford, passed away at the Sitrin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on June 17, 2016. James E. and Evalyn Davis Higgins were the parents of James, who was born in Decatur, Illinois, on December 29, 1922. Jim is from Canisteo, New York. He saw action in France and Germany during World War II as a member of the 100th Infantry Division.

After stumbling on a land mine and losing his leg, he was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. On July 10, 1945, he wed Carolyn (Kitty) Kneale. Jim served as Chief of Prosthetics at the Veterans Hospital in Albany before retiring and dedicating his career to helping other wounded veterans. Jim and Kitty were lifelong members of the Loudonville Presbyterian Church, having joined as charter members.

From 1945 until 2000, Jim and Kitty lived in Albany. Then, in an effort to be closer to their daughter Barbara Smits, they relocated to Rome. His cherished wife passed away before him in 2004. Barbara and Stephen Smits, of Westernville, New York, are the couple’s surviving daughter and son-in-law. Raleigh, North Carolina residents James and Bellinda Higgins; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and D. Philip Baker, a beloved nephew, Washington, D.C. Jim’s family would like to express their gratitude to Tina Edelman, his devoted assistant, and the staff of Sitrin Nursing Facility, particularly Zora and Jocelyn, for their excellent care throughout his stay.

The family will have a private service in North Carolina. The Saratoga National Cemetery will serve as the location of interment. In his honor, memorial donations can be sent to the Loudonville Presbyterian Church, located at 22 Old Niskayuna Road, Loudonville, New York 12211. The arrangements have been handed to Mills Funeral Home in Boonville.

Leave a Comment