James B. Higgins, 72, husband of Sally M. (Hess) Higgins, passed away June 5, 2020 at U.K. Bluegrass Hospice Care Center in Lexington, KY.  Born December 17, 1947 in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, James was the son of the late James Benedict and Edna David Higgins.

James served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  He retired as an Occupational Safety Manager for the Dept. of Defense and was a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor.  A member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, American Legion Post #34 and a life member of the NRA, James received several certificates in Safety Management, numerous recognitions from the American Red Cross, and holds the record for the highest score of multiple U.S. Coast Guard National Match trophies, a record that can never be broken.  He received the US HUD Region VIII Award of Excellence and the Channel 7 Everyday Hero in Colorado.  James loved animals especially dogs and wolves.  Most recently evident by his willingness to portray Santa Claus for the Franklin County Humane Society at a Christmas fundraiser.

Including his wife, James is survived by his three children, Brianne (Billy) Hearne, Brandi Higgins, and Chris Bryant; five grandchildren, Hunter Ross, Kelsey Adams, Piper Adams, Page Adams, Kipton Hearne and Haley Bryant; and his sister, Judy (David) Henderson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9 ^th from 5 – 7 pm at the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home.

The Funeral Holy Mass for James will begin at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 10 ^th at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 120 Gatewood Ave., Lawrenceburg, KY.  Fr. Jeff Estacio will officiate the mass.  Cremation will follow the services with placement at a later date in the columbarium at Camp Nelson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Anderson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 494, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

To abide by the regulations set forth by the State of Kentucky, 33% occupancy of the funeral home will be in practice and everyone is asked to wear face coverings and practice social distancing for all who attend.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com .