Jim was born on November 27, 1966, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He grew up in Gladstone, Missouri, and attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he graduated in 1989. He completed his CPA certification in 1992, and worked for many years as a certified public accountant in the Kansas City and Omaha, Nebraska areas. He had a lively sense of humor, and was memorable for his charm, wit, and good looks. Jim was naturally talented at multiple sports, especially baseball and basketball. His favorite sports teams were the Kansas City Royals, the New York Yankees, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders. He was also enthusiastic about the arts and enjoyed painting and attending concerts. Jim served as an usher for many years at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral.
Jim is survived by his life partner, Sharon Jakopovic; siblings, Kathleen Higgins, Timothy (Renee) Higgins, Colleen (Will) Cook, Jeanine (Steve) Felten, Maureen (Bill) Daily; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Ann (Merz) Higgins and, his father, Eugene Anthony Higgins.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 12:15 PM Wednesday, May 19th, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where a rosary will be prayed at 11:00 AM, followed by visitation until Mass time. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the Bishop Sullivan Center.
