Age, 89, of Burton, Michigan, passed from this life to the next on Saturday, February 17, 2024. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at Detroit Cremation Society, 8253 S. Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to the Library of Michigan: Braille and Talking Book Library. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on James’ tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

Jim was born in Cullman, Alabama, on November 28, 1934, worked the family farm, graduated from high school, was offered a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, but moved to Flint, Michigan to seek factory work. In July 1956, he married his wife Dolores and the two raised a family of four. He was a skilled millwright at the General Motors Flint Engine Plant and a proud union member of UAW Local 659.

Jim was a charming, charismatic, and hilarious man who made friends wherever he went. He was a great neighbor who would mow grass or plow snow for others and never accept a gift in return. He had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children. He was a longtime Flint Elks Lodge 222 member and was often found on the golf course where he shot a hole in one! He also enjoyed hunting season with his friends but was often frustrated during turkey season. However, he mastered the turkey call at home in the living room. He was a local sports fan and attended many of his children’s events but always left in time for his 3rd shift schedule. After retirement he and Dolores often enjoyed a day trip to Soaring Eagle Casino. He loved all of his grandsons and great-grandchildren more than they will ever know. He was an ardent Alabama Crimson Tide fan (Roll Tide!) as well as a Michigan State fan (Go Green!). He also liked U of M, but not when they played Alabama or MSU. In the past few years, he and his daughter Becky watched Iowa Hawkeyes basketball games together. He had a great relationship with his caregiver, Miryea Fajardo, calling her his adoptive daughter. His greatest passion though was his two classic vehicles—a 1966 Chevy truck and a 1968 Chevy Impala. He attended car shows all over the state and especially enjoyed the Back to the Bricks tour with Dolores and their friends, Richard and Jennifer McLean of Davison.

He is survived by his wife Dolores Knapp of Grand Blanc, MI; son Dan of Burton, MI; daughter Becky of Grand Blanc, MI; daughter Kristie of Seattle, WA; grandson Stephen (Nadrah) and great-grandchildren Noah, Jonah, and Sofia of Swartz Creek, MI; grandson Timothy (Holly) and great-grandchildren Teddy and Hannah of Dayton, OH; grandson Kyle (Elyse) and great-grandchildren Cidonia, Silas, and Amos of Flint, MI; grandson Justin (Sarah) and great-grandchildren Erik and Finn of Olathe, KS; sister Janice Bennett of Pegram, TN; loving cousins in Alabama and many caring friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father George B. Higgerson and mother DeEtte S. Harbison and son Ronald Higgerson.