James Austin (Jim) Higgins

Jim was born on November 24, 1929, in Montreal, Quebec. He grew up with his brother Thomas and sisters Josephine, Kathleen (Kay), Ann and Margaret and enjoyed music, dancing, reading and life with everything it brought!

Jim left home for the Canadian Armed Forces in November 1949 where he served until January 1971. He received numerous medals and decorations for his service:

o Korean Medal for his service in the Korean War

o United Nations Service Medal for his service in Korea

o United Nations Emergency Force Medal (UNEF) as part of Canada's first peacekeeping force in 1956 in Israel and the Gaza Strip

o Canadian Force Decoration for the completion of twelve years of service and good record of conduct

o Operational Service Medal for his involvement in NATO

o Special Service Medal (SSM) in recognition for performing services under exceptional circumstances

o Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) in recognition of his participation to the United Nations Peacekeepers efforts.

Jim continued his involvement as an active member of the Civil Service and Chairman and Past President of the Notre-Dame-de-Grace Legion Branch in Montreal. He was the second generation of military men in the Higgins family as both his father John Austin (Jack) and brother Thomas served in the First and Second World War respectively.

Jim was a family man who cared for his parents, his sisters and brother, his wives Gertrude, Anna and Lillian as well as his children and grandchildren. He also helped many friends and Legion members.

Jim looked at life in a grateful and positive manner. He was always resilient and hopeful. He loved reading books that were thrillers, historical fiction and biographies. He also had a great sense of humor. He loved taking care of his houses and grounds. As a younger father, he would jump in the pool at lunch time and play with his kids.

The family wishes to deeply thank the dedicated and compassionate staff at Ste Anne’s Hospital for their expertise, their exceptional care and devotion to our veterans.

The family will receive condolences on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Collins Clarke MacGillivray Funeral Home located in NDG at 5610 Sherbrooke West, Montréal, Quebec, H4A 1W5. A final tribute and farewell for family members and lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Cedar Cancer Foundation (https://www.cedars.ca/en/how-to-help/donations) . This is where Jim was receiving his treatment for skin cancer.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory continue to live on in all our hearts.