James Higginbotham
James H. Higginbotham of Waynesboro, VA passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Augusta Health, Fishersville, surrounded by his loving family, having endured over 21 years of limited mobility due to a life changing back injury, falling from a ladder while picking apples in 2003. He was born on April 8, 1942 to the late Alice Thomas Higginbotham and Aubrey Strode Higginbotham.
He was predeceased by his brother, Aubrey S. "Sonny" Higginbotham, Jr. and brothers-in-law, A.G. Small and Dr. Donald E. Sly.
Jim grew up in Afton, an active member of Hebron Baptist Church in his early years and graduated from Nelson County High School in 1959, where he excelled in sports and making lifelong friends, a trait he continued throughout his life always keeping in touch with love and caring. He was a devoted father supporting his son's activities, coaching Little League sports which had a positive impact on many young guys making him proud to follow their success.
He retired from DuPont in 1993. During his 31 years of service, he was proud to share his learned expertise at other plants including in China and Budapest, Hungary.
Jim is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cheryl Humphreys Higginbotham; two sons, Jonathan Higginbotham and Jaime Higginbotham and their mother, Judy Holste; his grandson, Joshua Higginbotham; his step-children, Angela Wilfong and Mike, Andrea Baker and Darrel and Kristina Kiesnowski; his six step-grandchildren, Kennedy Jefferies, Josh Mensinger, Jesse Maderis, Christian Roberson, Makenna Kiesnowski and Luca Kiesnowski; his two sisters, Maxine H. Small of Nellysford and Madeline H. Sly of Norfolk and, his special nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
At Jim’s request he was cremated and his ashes will be scattered at a special place that he chose. There will be no formal public service.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville.