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.
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16 Condolence(s)
Mary Jo Parker
Friday, July 16, 2021
I’ve only knew Pops since 2012 but he was a kind gentle man. Heaven gained another Angel. Fly highðŸ™
Chad and Jeannie Sade
Friday, July 16, 2021
I met Jay when I started working at KBTA/KZLE way back in the 80’s. He was always a gentleman. He was always happy to share a Miller Lite out of his cooler.
I will miss his smile and his infectious laugh.
Dixie, thanks for caring for him and taking care of his every need. Praying for you in the days ahead.
MARCUS and Glenda Bowers
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Jay, was such a sweet, kind soul. I liked him from the day I.met him in 1983. My husband knew him his entire life in Batesville. Fly high sweet friend.
Glenda
Eddie Hodges
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Worked with Jay many years at KWOZ and was sad to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family during this time of grief!
Suzanne Magouyrk
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Thank you Dixie for taking such good care of Jay. Love and Peace.
Suzanne
Gregory Stephen Bridgman
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Rest in peace Jay..........I remember riding on the way back from the lake with you listening to Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap. Prayers to Dixie and the rest of his family!!
Edythe P. Bohart
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Dixie and family, so sorry for your loss. The many lovely family pictures showed the love and respect that exists in the family. I am sure your loss is great. Sending love and prayers to and for all of you.
Jon & Jennifer Hidy
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Fly high Jaybird, you will be greatly missed by many!
Judy Trumble Bell
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
I really liked Jay. He was a very kind and friendly man
Rosemary Baxter Fite
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Dixie I am so sorry about pops love you and praying for you and your family
Karen & Danny Davis
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Our condolences. Jay was a kind and sweet person. Rest in peace Jay.
Jeanie Slisher
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Prayers for the family, Jay was one special guy, he loved people in general and everyone loved him. Dixie you are a loving and caring person and he thought the world of you and you took good care of him. Prayers for Jay and the family
Joan Davidson
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Papa J will be so missed. Such a kind and gentle soul. Y'all are in my prayers.
Danita Carnett
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
This world has lost a precious and beautiful man. I am praying for all of his family and friends as they mourn his loss.
Don and Missy Agee
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
To a kind soul we wish your flight is full and high. To his family we offer condolences and so many hugs. We love all, you all.
Linda Kathy Holmes
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
I will never forget the ware welcome he gave me when I worked in Batesville .He was a true Gentleman.