James F. Higgins, 93, of Yardley, PA, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, to John and Agnes (Cawley) Higgins of County Mayo, Ireland on September 30, 1931.
Jim was a proud graduate of Gesu School ('45), St. Joseph's Prep ('49), and St. Joseph's College ('53) all in Philadelphia. He also earned graduate degrees in Business and Theology.
After college, Jim served two years in the Marine Corps primarily in Washington, DC for the outfit that protected President Eisenhower. For his career, Jim worked as a Controller for Allied Chemical followed by many years as a financial executive for Hillside Capital. Jim also taught Accounting and Finance for many years first at LaSalle College and then at Holy Family University.
Jim is survived by his five children, James (Terri) of Easton, PA, Brian (Jodi) of Newtown, PA, Kevin (Jeannine) of Georgetown, TX, Ellen (Dan) Keenan of Holly Springs, NC, and Brendan (Michelle) of Wakefield, MA. He is survived by 11 grandchildren (Hillary, Elizabeth, Patrick, Kevin Jr., Sean, Liam, Deirdre, Kyla, Evan, Joelle, and Tyler) and 4 great grandchildren (Billy, Lainey, Enzo, and Aurora).
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Margaret Mary (McGuinness) and second wife Donna M (Marker), brothers Lawrence (Alice), and John.
Jim was proud of his roots in North Philadelphia and dedicated much time and love to the Gesu School, an independent, Catholic school in the IHM and Jesuit traditions. In 2017 they awarded him the Gesu Spirit Medal for his contributions to the school. Also, Jim was a strong proponent of Jesuit education. Each of his 5 children attended at least one Jesuit school. Jim loved the Catholic Church and his parish, St. John the Evangelist, where he was a lector and volunteered in the office for many years.
The funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:30am at St. John the Evangelist Church 752 Big Oak Road Morrisville, PA 19067. Interment will be at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery 1215 Super Highway Langhorne, PA 19047. Calling hours will be from 9:30am to 10:30am at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's name to either of the below:
Gesu School, 1700 W Thompson St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Saint Joseph's Prep, 1733 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Saint Joseph's University, 5600 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Arrangements are under the care of the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.
James F. Higgins, 93, of Yardley, PA, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, to John and Agnes (Cawley) Higgins of County Mayo, Ireland on September 30, 1931.
Jim was a proud graduate of Gesu School ('45), St. Joseph's Prep ('49), and St. Joseph's College ('53) all in Philadelphia. He also ea