James R. Higgins, 72, Enjoyed playing the organ and with his grandkids

He was born March 17, 1932 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and had resided in Amherst Township for the past two years. After his retirement he had Iived in Puerto Rico for 10 years and had lived in the Lorain and Avon Lake area most of his life. As a teenager he and his parents did mission work in Capetown, Africa. He also worked with the Billy Graham ministry.

Mr. Higgins served with the US Navy in Company 258 prior to the Korean War.

Re worked as a printer at Lorain Printing for 25 years before retiring.

Mr. Higgins was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He played the organ and enjoyed whistling songs, watching television game shows, playing board games and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters Nina D'Abato of Amherst Township and Norine Hanley of Lorain, sons: James Russell Higgins of Canton, Michigan and William Andrew Higgins of Elyria; grandchildren: Shane Whiteman of Dayton, Matthew Loescher of Amherst, Heather Whiteman-Velez of Lorain, Sarah D'Abato of Amherst Township, Amanda Hanley of Lorain and Tony D'Abato of Amherst Township; great grandchildren; Ariana Whiteman of Lorain, Amari Whiteman of Lorain, Autumn Whiteman of Dayton, Bailey Loescher of Amherst and Analeise Velez of Lorain. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita Reyes-Higgins and his parents Elder William Higgins and Garnette Higgins (nee Ridenour).

Friends may call Monday 6-8 PM at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 AM. The Rev. William Y. Williams, associate pastor of Church of the Open Door in Elyria Township, will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

Memorial contributions can be made to Church of the Open Door or Open Door Christian School, 8287 W. Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH, 44035.