James Highton

MSgt., Retired, Mr. James “Jim” R. Highton, a World War II veteran, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021, in Gulfport, Mississippi at the age of 96.  He was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport. He was a native of New Orleans and was raised in Algiers, LA.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret “Maggie” Highton; his son, Jimmy Highton; three grandsons and several great-grandchildren.

When he was 16 years old, he joined the Navy prior to the Pearl Harbor attack. He served aboard the Destroyer Tender USS Prairie, Battleship USS Wyoming, and Destroyer USS Simpson 221. During WWII, he island hopped with the Marines. He took part in the invasion of Marshall Islands and Marianna Islands. He spent quite some time on the islands of Tinian and Guam. When the war was over, his next assignment was aboard the USS Mifflin, APA 207. He then received orders to go back to Guam, from Guam he went aboard the USS Floyd B. Parks Destroyer. He then had a break in service but once again his country called him back to serve during the Korean War. He then received orders for the USS Pickaway, APA 222 to transport troops to Korea. From there he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Riverside, CA. From there he was transferred to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. While there he received orders to report to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX for 6 weeks temporary duty. He was selected as being one of the most qualified people to assist in writing the test in his career field of culinary specialist. Being a culinary specialist, he never lost his love for baking. He liked baking bread for friends. He would also have beignet parties.

He received orders for Torrejon AFB in Spain. From there he was transferred to Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ where he retired as a Master Sargent with over 20 years of military service. He then went to work for civil service at Keesler AFB and retired after 27 years of federal service. After retiring from civil service, he went into the rental business of mobile home courts, houses, and apartments. He also enjoyed dancing and telling sea stories. He was a member of American Legion, Post 119, and a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4526. While in the military, he had the privilege of visiting the following countries and places: Pearl Harbor, Marshall Islands, Guam, Saipan, Tinian Island, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, England, France, Spain, Canary Islands, Denmark, Germany, Rock of Gibraltar, Turkey, Morocco, and Italy.

Friends are invited to join the Highton family for visitation and services on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

Jim will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home is proudly serving the family. The online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com