Obituary of James Robert Higgins

James Robert Higgins Sr, age 56, lost his courageous battle to cancer on October 2, 2012 at home, surrounded by the ones he loved the most. Mr. Higgins was born in Wilkes-Barre on June 21, 1956 to the late Jonathan and Anna Sudosky Higgins. James was a graduate of Lake Lehman High School in 1975. He was an outstanding wrestler, and passed this talent to his two sons. James was a long time member of the Teamsters Union, beginning thirty years ago with GCIU local 163. A hard working man, Jim was a pressman for the majority of his career. He will be remembered as the man who would give the shirt off of his back to help another. He was a dedicated husband who loved his wife, a father who adored his children, and a grandfather who rolled around for hours, on the floor, with his grandchildren. Jim was a happy man, even in his very last moments of life. Married for thirty-one years, Jim and Penny resided at their long time home in Jackson Twp. where they raised their children together, happily. Jim fell victim to esophageal cancer in early August; fought a good fight, but in the end lost his battle. His family will miss him, mostly in times of laughter and joy because his life was cut short. His family is confident that he is always looking down, keeping an eye on each and every person whose life was touched by this wonderful man. Mr. Higgins was preceded in death by his brother Jonathan and his sister Mina Estelle Higgins. He is survived by his wife, Penny, children: Jim Jr and his wife Stephanie, Annie, and Brandon, grandchildren Connor and Grace Ann; adopted daughter Becki Raczkowski along with her children Natalya, Trey, and Ella. In addition to his immediate family, siblings, Violet Milbrodt, Donna Phillips, Edward Higgins and many cousins, nieces and nephews survive him. A celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 5:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corners of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek with Sherry LeSage officiating. Friends may call from 3:00-5:00 PM prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 South Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517 in Jim's name.