James Martin Higgins Sr.

James M. “Capt. Diddley” Higgins, Sr., 84, of Brunswick, departed this life Sunday, February 19, 2017 at SGHS Glynn. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11AM Thursday, February 23, 2017 in Palmetto Cemetery will Father Chris Ortega officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be all grandsons and nephews, Perry Bennett, Pete Alegre, Tom Shierling, Capt. Paul Daniels, Thurman Kearn, Jim Dickey, Johnny Harrison, Jimmy Poindexter, Lindsay Parker, Edward Earl Armstrong, Larry Whitt, Sr., Herbert McGiver, Dan McQueary, Cedric Hebert, William McClain, Johnny Bennett, Tommy Bennett, Paul Kicklighter, Danny Harvey, Larry Brewer, Larry Johns, Fred Dennis, David Zachary, David Carwile, Mark Miller, Thomas Winslow, Ronald Altman, James Flowers, Aaron Howard, Steve Harper, Gary Nail, Tony Cochran and all other fellow hunters and fisherman.

Born November 11, 1932 in Brunswick to the late J.J. and Winnie M. Higgins, he was a Veteran of The US Navy and was a retired commercial fisherman. He was also a former employee of Oxford Box Company, maintaining their boats. Mr. Higgins had extensive knowledge of Coastal Georgia and Florida waters extending into the Keys and the entire Gulf of Mexico. He participated and was instrumental in the Mariel Boat Lift for mass immigration of Cubans to the US. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and an honorary member of Ten Mile Hunting Club. He had been a lifelong resident of Glynn County and attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, J.J. Higgins, Peggy Ussery, Joan Hart, Margie Boyd, and Jenny Schuster.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara G. Higgins of Brunswick, a son Marty Higgins and wife Linda of Thalmann, a daughter, Susie Hollington of Jefferson City, TN, six grandchildren, James “Jamie” Higgins, III, and wife Kelly, Jeremy Higgins and wife Wendy, Doug Tinsman, Brooke Tinsman, Larry Whitt, Jr. and wife Stephanie, and Channing Poindexter and husband John, 13 great grandchildren, step children, Victoria Britton, Craig Britton, Barbara Cain and husband Rick, Gail Stewart and husband Greg, step grandchildren, Laurel Cain, Heather Cain, Peter Stewart, and Hanna Stewart, his canine companion Daisy, a special friend, Freddie Poindexter, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

A special thank you, to Heartland Hospice for their care and support. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com