James E. Higgins Sr.

James (Jim) E. Higgins, Sr. 87 of Woodstock died peacefully Thursday November 24, 2022 at Journey Care Inpatient Unit in Barrington.

Jim was born in Chicago on October 13, 1935. After graduating from St. Rita High School, the class of 1953, he joined the U.S. Navy where he trained as an aircraft mechanic. While in the Navy, he married Dorothea "Dotty" Nastro on September 11, 1965. After that, they traveled the world together, including being stationed in Naples Italy. Jim served a total of 20 years with the Navy and retired in 1973.

At the time of his retirement, he was serving with the Hurricane Hunters in Florida, and when he met someone new, he always told them "Yes I did fly through a hurricane." After his Naval career he returned to Illinois and worked for Illinois Central Railroad as a Mechanic. He enjoyed working with model railroads, and was known to say he "worked on the big ones and played with the little ones." He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox. He was loved and will be missed.

He is survived by a son, James Higgins Jr.; two daughters, Dawn (Nate) Compton, and Angela (Ray) Thuma; a grandson, Ben Thuma; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dotty; a grandson, Kyle Byrne; also, his siblings Michael, John, Alice and Pat.

A private entombment will be at University Park IL.

A celebration of his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Woodstock on January 7, 2023. Family and friends will visit with one another starting at 10:00 a.m. and the celebration of life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a meal to follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans Service Fund.

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