HARTFORD, Ky. — James H. Higginbotham, 90, of Hartford, passed away July 29, 2024, at his home under the care of Hospice. He was born in Park City, Kentucky, to the late Willie and Loy Higginbotham.
Jim was a graduate of Park City High School and proudly served in the United States Army. He graduated with degrees from Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky. He taught school in Leitchfield, Adairville, and Russellville in Kentucky. He formerly worked at Citizens National Bank in Russellville before becoming President and CEO of Hartford Bank & Trust, now known as Commonwealth Community Bank, where he retired and has continued serving on the bank’s Board of Directors.
He was a member of Beaver Dam Methodist Church where he had served as treasurer. For many years he enjoyed working in his shop making beautiful furniture for his family members.
Grandaddy Jim (Dee) was a devoted father to his children and grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who respected and loved him dearly. They all enjoyed listening to many stories of his life and military service.
Aside from his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Jean Martin, and daughter-in-law, Melanee Higginbotham.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lena Higginbotham; his children, Darrell (Denise) Higginbotham, Ron Higginbotham, Debbie (Paul K.) Phelps, and Susan (Ricky) Dockery; his grandchildren, Nathan (Elizabeth) Higginbotham, Dayne (Mary) Higginbotham, Amber (Matt) Gray, Drew (Parker) Higginbotham, Jeremy Higginbotham, Josh (Natalie) Higginbotham, Kyle (Shelby) Higginbotham, Nathan (Jennifer) Phelps, Nick (Lindsay) Phelps, Jordan (Dr. Bailey) Phelps, Austin (Amethyst) Dockery, Adrianna (Austin) Segers; 30 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Harvey (Brenda) Higginbotham.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam with Pastor Jeremy Ruegg officiating. Burial will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Friends may visit with Jim’s family from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made to Beaver Dam Methodist Church, 302 N. Lafayette Street, Beaver Dam, Kentucky 42320 or Hospice of Ohio County, 1211 Old Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Online messages of condolence may be left for the family of James H. Higginbotham by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.