of Batesville, AR

September 1, 1945 - July 13, 2021

James F. Higginbottom Jr., 75, of Batesville passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021.

He was born September 1, 1945 in Batesville to Jim and Alice (Story) Higginbottom.

James was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and worked for the radio station KAAB, now known as KWOZ, for 53 years.

Survivors include one adoptive daughter, Dixie Smithee of Batesville; three god-children, Scott Baxter (Tracy) of Batesville, Sissy Wilson (Ricky) of O'Neal, and Shelly Baxter of Horseshoe Bend; two adoptive grandchildren, Misty Smithee of Batesville, and Justin Smithee (Katie) of Cave City; four cousins, Carolyn Call (David) of Boulder, Colorado, Ben Brickhouse (Dale) of Blairsville, Georgia, Lucia Madey of Gainsville, Florida, and Joel Adams of Cape Coral, Florida; three great-grandchildren, Brileigh Marlin, Brecken Smithee, Brooks Smithee, and his best friend of 70 years, Brenda Baxter of Batesville.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers are Scott Baxter, Ricky Wilson, Justin Smithee, Marty Tipton, Bill Olson, and Jon Hidy. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Jim E. Lytle, Danny Yeager, Dr. Bill Waldrip, John Clouse, and Ronnie Clouse.

Graveside services will be Monday, July 19, 2021 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville at 10:00am with Rev. Jim McDonald officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Sunday, July 18, 2021 at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville.

Memorials may be made to Independence County Library at 267 E Main St, Batesville, AR 72501.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Crouch Funeral Home
510 College Avenue
Batesville, AR  72501
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com