Jon E. Higgins, 67, beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, died November 7 at his home in Falls Church. He fought a courageous three-year battle against cancer.
Born in Franklin, Mass. on July 17, 1942, he received his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Miami and a master’s degree from Indiana University. Mr. Higgins taught History and Geography at Annandale High School for 32 years, retiring in 1997. He was the recipient of two Fulbright Scholarships, studying and teaching in England and India. He traveled the world extensively, touring over 70 countries on five continents.
Mr. Higgins was a teacher who made a difference in student’s lives. As he really cared about their becoming successful, he was sincerely liked and admired by his students. He was always available to give additional help to any student who needed it. Years after their experience at Annandale, students would return to tell him how much they appreciated his efforts. He returned to Annandale High School to substitute teach for many years after his retirement. In honor of his devotion to his students, a memorial scholarship fund has been established to reward a graduating senior who shared his passion for History and Geography and will be seeking a career in education.
He is survived by his wife, Alice, brother Richard of Alexandria, two daughters, Kammie Crull (husband Charles) of Richmond and Jenne Blackburn (husband Tony) of Richmond, and four grandsons, Ryan Crull, Austin Crull, Hayden Blackburn and Walker Blackburn. He was also the father to three stepchildren; Tammy Jones, Queensbury, NY, Scott Abramson, Woodbridge VA and Kenneth Abramson II of Charlotte, NC.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 27 at the V.F.W. Post 9274, 7118 Shreve Road, Falls Church at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jon Higgins Memorial Scholarship Fund at Annandale High School. Contributions to be payable to Annandale High School, notation for the Jon Higgins Memorial Scholarship Fund, and mailed to Annandale High School, Attnt: Steve Sengstazk, 4700 Medford Drive. Annandale, Va. 22003.
