Services were recorded and may be viewed on the Gehrig‑Stitt Chapel website; you may view Jim’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos, and stories there, as well. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Gurley or Dalton Volunteer Fire Departments.

James Lee Higgins, son of Jesse Arthur and Myrtle Mae (Krewer) Higgins, was born January 20, 1946, at the Taylor Hospital in Sidney, NE. He was raised on the Higgins Homestead, the first rural post office in Cheyenne County.

His family was one of the pioneer families that settled west of Gurley.The area at that time was named Higgins, NE, which was an overnight stop on the Sidney Deadwood stage. He attended Gurley schools and was a proud Gurley Pirate who played football and basketball. Jim was also an Eagle Scout and part of the Order of the Arrow with Scouting America.

He married the love of his life, Marlene Rapp, on June 9, 1966.They made their home at the Old Higgins Homestead west of Gurley.They had three children, Robert, Angela, and Christina. Jim was so proud of his family. He was avidly involved with all their activities, which included 4-H and athletics, and he never missed a music activity. All of his children have become something to be proud of. His grandkids would light up his life, and Grandpa or Papa Jim, loved to see them giggle!

Jim was on the board of Crossroads Coop Elevator for several years, a deacon of the First Christian Church, 4-H leader, Farm Bureau member and Gurley Lions Club member.The Higgins Family was awarded the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award in 1986, which exemplified ownership within the family of the same Nebraska family farm for 100 years or more. He loved his neighbors; one of his favorite things to do was go to any kind of sale and visit with all his farmer friends.

James was a wheat farmer, along with raising his cattle.

One of his greatest joys was pulling the combine into the wheat fields to begin the harvest, as well as having afternoon snack breaks with the work crews.

Jim worked not only as a farmer, but also as a Crop Insurance Adjuster for Security First Bank Insurance Company and the Egging Company.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years; son Rob (Lianne) Higgins of Dalton, NE; daughters Angie (Brooks)Rushman of Lincoln, NE, and Chrissy (Vernon) Florke of Lodgepole, NE. He has seven grandchildren: Katie (James) Goeman, Danielle (Cade) Loomis, Elizabeth Higgins, Jacob Rushman, Phillip Rushman, Luke Florke and Amelia Florke; nieces, nephews and cousins, and one sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, and brother-in-law Keith Rapp.