James Duncan “Scotty” Higgins, was born at home in Elgin Scotland on August 5, 1938 to Neil and Flora Higgins. He peacefully passed away at home in Oakdale, Ca., surrounded by his family on November 4, 2014. He leaves behind his twin brother Neil Higgins (Flo) of Scotland, his sister Flora Steven of Los Osos, Ca., His beloved wife Karen of Oakdale, Ca., his children Dawn Wohler (John) of Oakdale, Ca., Mark Higgins (Wendi) of Eagle Point Or. and Lorna Mason of Oakdale Ca., his stepchildren Jeff Casey of Nashville, Tn., Janet Spadevicchia (Joe) of Las Vegas, Nv. and Mark Casey of Las Vegas Nv., His grandchildren (10) of Co., Ca., Or., and Nv. and great-grandchildren (12) of Co. and Or.  

   Scotty worked over 50 years in the automotive industry, before retiring from Modesto Toyota sales department in 2005. He returned shortly thereafter and worked an additional 6 years as their Service-Shuttle Driver, where he enjoyed his coworkers and spending many hours transporting, entertaining, and getting to know his customers, which he immensely enjoyed. Those, whom met him, would surely agree.

   He was a talented artist and painted over 100 oil paintings for all to enjoy. He displayed and sold his art throughout the valley at many shows and events receiving multiple awards for his work.  He loved woodworking in his garage making many projects that his family benefited from. He also wrote many passionate and heart felt poems throughout his life.

   His favorite pastimes we’re singing karaoke, playing the harmonica and guitar, meeting new people, traveling, taking pictures, doing card tricks with the grandkids, telling jokes and especially enjoying numerous hours on his back porch with neighbors, family and friends. 

   A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Burwood Cemetery 28320 East River Rd., Escalon, CA.

   A memorial reception will be held at his house following the services. Donations can be sent in his name to VA Palo Alto Healthcare Systems (VAPAHCS) or Optimal Hospice Care of Modesto. 

Please enjoy this poem:

Here On Earth

They say you start dying the day of your birth

Oh how I pray heaven is here on earth

Can we say somewhere is better than this

For this is a place we would surely miss 

Think of the warm breeze on your face

Tell me something this would replace

Think of the birds that rest in the trees

Think of the tiger that runs with ease

Think of the mountains that reach the sky

Think of the snowflake that melts in the blink of an eye

Think of the baby falls asleep with a sigh

Then awakes in the night and begins to cry

Think of the paths through life that we follow

Think where we’d be if there was no tomorrow

Think of the love of a tender kiss

Think of those things we would surely miss

Think of forever and not just today

Hope you’ll be heard when you’ve something to say

Remember this was the place of your birth

Oh! How I pray heaven will be here on earth

Author: James D. Higgins

Copyright 2004