James F. Higgins

MADISON - James Franklin Higgins, age 78, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at the Agrace HospiceCare Center surrounded by his five loving girls. He was born on Feb. 12, 1940 in Madison to parents Kathleen Higgins and Franklin Fjelstad. He often shared fond memories of the large amount of cherished time he spent as a boy with his grandparents, Mom and Pop Higgins, in Mazomanie. He attended school in Sauk City where he had many friends such as his dear friend, Finnegan, and together enjoyed much mischief on or near the banks of the mighty Wisconsin River. He loved life and wasnt afraid to bend the rules in pursuit of a good time. A handsome man with a propensity for fun meant if you were with him you were bound to drink a little, enjoy music and dancing and laugh a whole lot. He enjoyed NASCAR with his buddy, Friday, and dancing with his sweetheart, Geri, who he referred to as his angel. He was happiest when he was with his four daughters and grandchildren and was very proud of all of them. He taught us how to take chances and never give up. He is survived by his half-brother, Jeff Heiney; half-sisters, Susan Shiffman, Jan Schneider and Jean Martinez; daughters, Theresa Higgins, Patti Lattanzio (Jim Slotten), Barbara Beckett (Jeff) and Lynda Higgins (Greg Burt); grandchildren, Curtis Daggett, Cassie Daggett, Patrick Lattanzio, Eli Snyder, Sally Snyder, Molly Burt, Emmet Snyder, Levi Beckett and Ayanna Beckett; and great-grandchildren, Olive and Teo See and Arthur and Violet Daggett. He is also survived by his dear companion, Geri Huemmer and her children, Cherrie Dallman (Gary), Steve Huemmer (Cindy), Shelley Crose (Tom), Holly Olson (Dale), Jeff Huemmer (Tina), Kurt Huemmer, Kris Dorman (Brian) and 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a half-brother, John Heiney. One of his favorite expressions was I cant cut lose without my juice, which is what he requested his family and friends do to honor and remember him. Therefore, a celebration of Jims life will be held at the VFW DAY POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison on Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. accompanied by The Back 40, which was one of his favorite local bands. Special thanks given to Christa Raymond APNP and Dr. Rebecca Kellum, as well as the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their care. A fighter to the end, the original come back kid is now running the 100 mile dash in the after world and goodness knows hes winning. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com