Farmington – James O. Higgins, 81, of Farmington passed away Monday, Feb. 27, at Sandy River Health and Rehabilitation Center with his forever friend and advocate, Rispah Huff and her husband, Michael, by his side.

He was born in Rumford on Sept. 27, 1924, the son of John M. and Florence M. Porter Higgins. He moved to the Farmington area in the early ’90s to a small group home before moving to Sandy River.

While living in the Farmington area, Jim attended Work First Inc. He developed many strong relationships with his support staff and people in the community where he worked and visited. He had a unique talent for making people laugh in any situation. He loved to tell stories of fishing, planting and woodcutting.

His hobbies included making birdhouses, painting, fishing, sitting on the porch at Tana’s farm and socializing with friends. The twinkle in his eye, his all-embracing smile and his raised hand in greeting will be truly missed by all those fortunate to have known him. He will forever be in the hearts of his friends at Work First Inc.

He is survived by a sister, Madeline; and a niece in Norway.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother John.