Obituary of James L. Higgins

James (Jim) L. Higgins 83, a resident of Twin Falls, ID. Passed away Friday in St Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. Jim was born in Marysville, Kansas Oct. 4, 1918. He was the first of 2 children born to James E. and Gretta L. Higgins. His sister, Mary Lynette was born April 23, 1931. His family lived in Marysville, Kansas, where his father was the manager of the local newspaper. His mother was a denturist making dentures for the local dentists. He attended Catholic schools in Marysville, moving to Salina, Kansas in 1942, where his father managed the local newspaper as well, as two newspapers for the Smokey Hill Air Force Base and Camp Philips Army Base. Jim graduated from The Sacred Heart Catholic High School in 1947. During this time he worked at the newspaper as a news photographer and did commercial photography as well. After graduating from high school; he enlisted in the army. He was sent to Livorno, Italy, to run a printing plant for the army for 10 months. When the treaty with Italy was signed his occupational duty was finished. He was awarded a purple heart during his tour of duty in Italy. He rejoined his family after his stint with the army, moving to Midvale, Utah where his father leased the commercial printing section of the newspaper in Salt Lake City. In 1952, he married Bonnie Bench. Two sons, James Wayne and Douglas Clay were born to this union. In 1953 the opportunity came to buy Standard Printing in Twin Falls, Id. The business grew rapidly; becoming the number one printing business in Magic Valley. This led to a 44 year partnership with James E. and James L. Higgins that lasted until the sale of Standard Printing September 30, 1997. He was divorced from Bonnie after 20 years of marriage. After his marriage to Bonnie ended in divorce, he had brief marriages to Jan Holmes and Kay Higgins. He married Barbara Lukeheart in 1989, who died in 2007 after 18 years of marriage. He married Pat Perry in 2008, who he said he wished he would have met when he was young. They have enjoyed four happy year’s together, enjoying life and traveling as health permitted until his health declined this year. Jim was a collector of many things throughout his life. He had a passion for classic cars, National Geographic (every issue), antique photography equipment and fast boats. Jim was well known in the community for his compassion and caring for the disadvantaged and those struggling with substance abuse issues. He was a charter member of the Fellowship Hall and was on the first Board of Directors. He leaves a legacy of helping countless individuals overcome problems with alcohol addiction that will be gratefully remembered by those he helped. He is survived by his Pat Higgins, sister Mary (Babe) Anduiza, sons Doug (Donette) and James (Shocki) Higgins; stepsons Tim (Sylvia) Thompson, Terry Thompson and Doug Wilkerson; stepdaughter Tammy (Roger) Martin, Linda Gudgel and Cheri Garey; and daughter by choice Penne Main. All who knew Jim will miss his quick wit, gentlemanly demeanor, and his soft-spoken spiritual nature. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 11th at 1:30pm at the First United Methodist Church on 4th and Shoshone St., Twin Falls. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations be made to the Magic Valley Fellowship Hall, 801 2nd Ave. N, Twin Falls, ID 83301, in honor of Jim Higgins. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Rosenau Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com. God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.