James E. Higdon, Jr.

James Evan Higdon Jr. beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, died at age 82 at Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fl., of complications from a fall.  His gentlemanly charm, warm heart and generosity will be forever missed.

Jim was born in the small town of  LaFollette, Tennessee, in 1939 to James and Inez Higdon. He graduated from LaFollette High School and went on to the University of Tennessee in 1963 earning a degree in Master of Science. He was a lifelong member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was an active alumnus who frequented the chapter at UT. The brotherhood bonds he made carried him throughout his life. Jim was proud that he, his brother, Richard, son, Trey, his grandson, Dalton and his nephew, Dennis, were all Sigma Chis. Jim moved to Vero Beach from Texas with his family in 1971 and purchased the Petite Shop from his in-laws, the Bireleys. He operated the business successfully for over 50 years.

The consummate Southern Gentleman, Jim loved to entertain the ladies with his jokes and humor. Jim never strayed from his code of honor, opening your door, sliding back the chair, offering his warm coat, and always rising from his seat for his wife and daughter at the dinner table.  He simply elevated those around him to be better people. From childhood, Jim was an amazing musician, playing the trumpet and piano.  As a teenager, he frequently played “Taps” to honor servicemen who died protecting our Country.  Jim would light up a room when he took over the piano, playing “Honkey Tonk” for his family and friends. No holiday or family get together was complete until Jim started banging on the keys, belting out, “My Baby Left Me For The Garbage Man”.

Jim was so enormously proud of his children and grandchildren. To watch him dance with his daughter, and granddaughters would melt your heart.  The smile and joy radiating from Jim was blinding.  You will never find a more honorable, generous man. Jim often helped people in need but was very private about his generosity. This humble, true southern gentleman will be missed by so many!

Jim is survived by his wife of 30 wonderful years, Terry, children Laurie Connelly (Brian) Trey Higdon (Lori), stepchildren Carolyne Stoutt (Dave), Jeff Nichols (Nicole), grandchildren Dalton, Claire, Chandler, Avery, Mackenzie, Kaleigh, Adelaide and Logan, his brother, Richard and nephew Dennis (Ann Marie).

A “Celebration of Life” will take place on November 30^th at 4:00 pm at Quail Valley at the Pointe, located at 1 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA Hospice House, 901 37^th Street, the Alzheimer’s/Parkinson Association, 2300 5^th Ave. #150, Vero Beach, Fl. or to the Source, 1015 Commerce Ave., Vero Beach, Florida.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.