07/02/2025
J.D.’s legacy will forever echo in the halls of WBRF 98.1 FM and in the hearts of all who loved him, including all of us at Classic Country 98.1 FM.
Official Obituary of
J. D. Higgins
November 28, 1942 ~ June 29, 2025
82 Years Old
John David "J. D." Higgins, Jr., age 82 of Sparta, NC; passed away Sunday, June 29th, 2025 at his residence.
J. D. was born November 28th, 1942 in Iredell County, NC to the late John David Sr. and Mabel Andrews Higgins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, LeAnn Higgins Nicholson Hamby.
J. D. Higgins was a popular, well known, much loved country artist. He performed for fifty plus years, doing shows with most of the original Grand Ole Opry. J. D. also worked in broadcasting, working as a disc jockey for 24 years at WBRF 98.1 in Galax, VA. He had a "gift of gab" and could sell snow to an Eskimo. J. D. never met a stranger. His greatest accomplishment was marrying an angel, Iva, from Piney Creek, NC. J. D. should have been born with a microphone in his hand, for he loved to entertain. He was paid to do something that he would have done for free. J. D. was blessed with talented musicians, and working together they could make you tap your foot. After recording over 30 songs, J. D. traveled to promote his music career. He loved dearly his daughter, LeAnn, his wife, Iva and country music. J. D. was a shooting star, but as we know, stars in time burn out. May we all be as blessed.
Survivors include his wife Iva Williams Higgins of the home; three grandchildren: Shayla Welch and husband Gavin of Carrboro, NC, Payton Shore and husband Jonah of Hamptonville, NC, Kelsey Nicholson of Charlotte, NC; five great-grandchildren: Waylon Welch, Wade Welch, Nolan Wallis, Luca Shore, Elliot Billips; a brother, Jim Higgins and wife Michelle of Fuquay-Varina, NC.
Funeral services to honor the life of J. D. will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 in the chapel of Thomas Family Funeral Service with Reverends Charlie Bennett and Randy Lovelace officiating. Interment will follow in Sparta Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Ambler and to Medi-Home Health and Hospice of Alleghany.
Your visits at the home are welcome, however, the family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the residence.
In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Higgins family. If you wish, online tributes may be made to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of J. D. Higgins, please visit our floral store.
