James (Jim) Fenton Higbee, III
was born on June 18,1940 in Mercy Hospital, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Jim died at home September 9, 2025 after a battle of lung cancer. Jim attended Johnson Elementary School. The same school his grandfather and father attended and where his sister taught. Jim graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1957.
Jim, a 7th generation farmer, greatly enjoyed caring for the family farm which has been in continuous operation by the Higbee’s since 1835. Many crops were grown over the years but he especially enjoyed producing big beautiful peaches.
For many years fresh evergreens adorned the street lights and businesses around St. Joseph and beyond were hand crafted at Higbee’s Farm.
Jim did work for various companies over the years. He delivered pizzas from Pizza Hut. He worked at Lowe’s and he had delivered propane to local neighborhoods.
Jim will be greatly missed by his son Alan and sister Lou Ann Higbee Shane. He was predeceased by his son Kalvin and parents Kenneth Higbee and Hattie (Reck) Higbee. He is survived by many relatives, friends, fellow farmers, and Barney, his beloved dog.
He was seen riding his lawnmower around the farm with the oxygen tank in the wagon. He truly loved his farm, peaches and the customers. And don’t forget Barney the farm dog! As well as all the dogs or cats who lived at the farm over the years! Jim and Barney knew every inch and peach tree on the farm. When he was not able to be out driving the big tractors or being outside eating peaches or visiting with customers as he used to do.. Jim would sit inside the house and watch from the window. Seeing car loads of people driving in to pick peaches made him very proud of his work. Jim was a man of God and wanted nothing less to bless people with a perfect peach. He often would say that there is nothing better than a fresh juicy peach on a hot summer day!
A memorial service will be held to honor James F. Higbee on
September 19, 2025.
10 am – Visitation
11:00 am – Celebration of Life
1:00 pm Luncheon
All programs will be held at the Watervliet Free Methodist Church
7734 Paw Paw Ave
Watervliet, MI 49098
In lieu of flowers, plant a peach tree.
Contributions can be made to Watervliet Free Methodist Church.
Posted On: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 4:05 AM
