John D. Higgins, 82, of Berkeley Township, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025. John’s distinguished service in the U.S. Navy spanned two decades, after which he continued to serve others as a supervisor for Serv-Air in Lakehurst for fifteen years. Upon retirement, he found joy in driving for Trolley Tours in Forked River. Born and raised in East Liverpool, Ohio, John’s military career led him to reside in various regions across the United States. He lived in North Carolina and spent three decades in Lakehurst before settling in Berkeley Township eleven years ago.
A true sports enthusiast, John’s love for football and baseball was well known. He held the position of past president of the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 124, Lakehurst, during 1985 and 1986. John was predeceased by his brother, James Higgins, and his sisters, Norma Hively and Ella Mae Dawson. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Melody; four sons: Martin Higgins and his wife Laura of Laredo, TX; Eric Higgins and his wife Terry of New Holland, PA; Jason Higgins and his wife Judy of Manahawkin; and Sonnie Higgins and his wife Jessica of Toms River. He is also survived by his brother Harold Higgins of Salineville, OH; sisters Helen Crank of California and Carol Smith of Salem, OH; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a service at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst, followed by interment and full Military Honors at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown.
On Thursday—yes, it really was December 4, 2025, strange as that seems—I spent most of the day working on my résumé, getting ready to finally reenter the workforce after so many years away. As I went through my job history, I paused at my very first “real” job and couldn’t help but think about how it all began. If it hadn’t been for my Uncle John helping me get that first opportunity, I might never have discovered the confidence that came from realizing I could do more than just work at the local mall. For that, I’ll always be deeply grateful to him.
Our family has never been a particularly close-knit group, and though I haven’t seen much of Uncle John over the years, I’ll always remember his endless stories—many of them funny—and that warm, easy grin of his. I know his boys will miss him dearly, but most of all, my Aunt Mel, his loving partner of 61 years.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Mr. Higgins was an awesome fella. From the stories he shared, to allowing me to help fix his front door with him once to his quick witted comments.