James E. Higgins

James E. “Jim” Higgins, 97, of Vandalia, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026. He was born to Elmer & Florence Higgins on January 8, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio. Jim served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and graduated from the University of Dayton. He enjoyed playing softball and was an avid fan of U.D. Flyers Basketball and the Cincinnati Reds.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer & Florence, along with his beloved wife, Eleanor Elizabeth Higgins, his grandson, Derek Higgins, his 2 sisters and 3 brothers, and longtime companion, Mary Bannister.

Survived by his children, Maureen (Tom) DesMarais, Shawn (Debbie) Higgins and Colleen (TJ) Moore; grandchildren Tad DesMarais, Paul DesMarais, Phil DesMarais, Eleanor (Chance) Isaac, Travis (Alexandra) DesMarais, Sara (James) Noble, Jared DesMarais; Megan (Berni Kronawetter) Higgins; Patrick (Emily) Woods, Brea (Anissa) De La Fuente and Erin Moore; great grandchildren Tommy DesMarais III, Lukas DesMarais, Noah DesMarais, Isaac Ryan, Sophia Isaac, Addison Noble, John Noble, and Tatum Nielsen-Moore; and special friends Ann and David Carpenter.

The family will receive friends 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 27 at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 South Dixie Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Michael Malcosky, officiating. The burial will follow at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the residents and staff at StoryPoint of Tipp City. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Affinity Hospice at https://affinityhealthmanagement.com/donation/. Condolences can be shared at www.MortonWhetstoneFH.com.