James "Jim" Bardon Higgins Jr.

James “Jim” Bardon Higgins, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2026, due to congestive heart failure. After enjoying a satisfying dinner and lemon pie for dessert, he was completing a Sudoku puzzle when the Lord Jesus called him and brought him Home. Jim was 82 years old, and he left this world with the same quiet grace and steady faith that guided him through life.

Born on August 31, 1943, in San Diego, California, Jim was the son of James Higgins, Sr. and Eulalie Salyards. He grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and graduated from Georgetown Preparatory School and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. In his younger years, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling with his family and participating in competitive trap shooting, though he especially loved hunting and fishing in the quiet of nature.

After college, Jim returned to Duluth to work with his father as an investment advisor, where he learned the importance of serving others with integrity. In 1978, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where he pursued several entrepreneurial ventures. Although he enjoyed that work, he felt called to something deeper. In 1984, he answered a call to ministry and earned his MDiv from Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1987. He then served rural parishes in Calamus, Iowa, before concluding his pastoral ministry at Grace Lutheran Church in the Orchards in Lewiston, Idaho.

On August 16, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Jeneson. Together they built a home filled with warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion. Their sons, Bill and Ryan, were born in Duluth, and Jim took immense pride in watching them grow into the men they are today. Becoming a grandfather brought him unspeakable joy! Though he had a plethora of nicknames he prayerfully remembered his treasured “Grands” daily.

Through God’s grace and his own perseverance, Jim had looked forward to celebrating 50 years of sobriety in July—a milestone that shaped not only his life but also the lives of so many friends of Bill W. Among his most treasured memories were taking part in the 1982 Billy Graham Crusade in Boise, participating and leading others in the Walk with Christ Community, Chaplin for the Asotin County Sheriff's Department, and serving nearly 10 years as Chairman of the Board at Life Choices Clinic in Lewiston. Service was more than something Jim did; it was at the heart of who he was.

Jim was preceded in death by his father J. Bardon Higgins; his mother Eulalie S. Higgins; and his sisters Barbara Higgins Arbour and Carol Higgins Anderson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his sons, Bill (Heidi) and Ryan (Robyn); his brothers, Michael Higgins and David (Jane) Higgins; his sister, Eulalie Markham; and four grandchildren—Liza, Lauryn, Sibley, and Torben—who brought him immense pride and fulfillment.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1115 13th Street, Clarkston. Refreshments and an opportunity to share memories will follow in the church Social Hall. The service will be livestreamed on YouTube at OSLC Clarkston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Life Choices Pregnancy Clinic, 1208 Idaho Street, Lewiston, ID 83501.

Follow the link below to view the livestream of Jim's Memorial Service:

https://www.youtube.com/@oslcclarkston9887/streams