James Higginbottom

James Robert Gutchess Higginbottom, a long-time railroad industry executive, peacefully passed away in Hillsborough, NJ on October 21, 2024.

A devout family man, Jim Higginbottom was born to Samuel and Vera Higginbottom in Pittsburgh, PA on Dec. 20, 1931. He was the youngest of five children who included twins Samuel Logan and Helen, and another set of twins, Joanna Jane and Abbie June. He was a classically trained and gifted pianist and encouraged all his children in his music appreciation. Jim graduated from P.S. 134 in Queens, Brooklyn Technical High School, and Columbia University, where he was on Varsity Crew, Rowing Club, Varsity “C” and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jim then joined the Army during the Korean conflict, was promoted to Sergeant, earned the Good Conduct Medal & National Defense Service Medal.

While serving at Fort Carson, CO he met the love of his life Patricia Gibbs and they were married for 69 years. He is survived by his beloved Patti Higginbottom, and his children Abbie (Ray) Slaman, Joelen Rhoades, Brad (Roberta) Higginbottom, Jim (Gail) Higginbottom, and Nancy (Jim) Nowakowski. He was predeceased by his daughter Jymme Ann Higginbottom.

Grandfather of Selwin (Megan) Briggs, Charles Briggs (Monica Perron), Rebecca Slaman (Dean Ridgeway), Alexis Rhoades, Cassandra Rhoades (Nick Cerda), Aisha Rhoades (Garrett Mosley), Payden Rhoades (Norma Calderon), Jim (Lea) Higginbottom, Mary Higginbottom (Jonathan Guhl-Miller), Robbie Higginbottom, Ian Higginbottom (Mary Nadolska), Shamus (Lindsey) Higginbottom, Kayleigh Higginbottom (Kersea Calhoun), JymmeAnne Walton and TJ (Becky) Walton. Great-grandfather of Vernon, Vera, Yuri, Ryen, Eli, Tristan, Tatum, Asher, Mallory.

During his long business career in the railroad supply industry, Jim Higginbottom was VP of Sales for The Kerite Company and then The Okonite Company; founded and was President of PJ Rail Sales Inc. He was on the Boards of the Association of American Railroads, Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (a scholarship is named in his honor), and an honorary member of the Eastern Signal Engineers. He was a Master Mason of the Raritan Valley Lodge and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Empire State Society, Saratoga Battle Chapter.)

He and Patti were avid sailors, loved to travel the world, and were patrons of the Arts, having established the Children’s Theater Workshop in Oriental, NC.

Jim was a life-long member and active in all leadership roles of the Presbyterian or Methodist churches wherever he lived. Special thanks for the continued support of all the dear friends and family who loved him where he lived in Hollis NY, Bound Brook NJ, Milford CT, Ridgewood NJ, Oriental NC, who accompanied him on his faith journey.

Arrangements are through Hagan-Chamberlain, Bound Brook, NJ.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bound Brook, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children's Theater Workshop in Oriental, NC.