Saratoga Springs, NY – Martin "Jim" James Higgins passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Wesley Health Care Center. He was 82.

Born October 9, 1935 in Cork, Ireland, Jim was the son of the late James and Frances Doyle Higgins. He arrived in the United States on the Ship "Manhattan" on March 19, 1936. He graduated from Greenwich High School in Greenwich, CT and later attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. Jim proudly served in the United States Army during the Cold War from 1955 to 1963 as a radio operator. He lived and raised his family in Glenbrook, CT. Jim worked at D'Elia Motors in Greenwich. He was a marathon runner and a member of the Stamford Running Club. Jim and two friends set off to Mt. Everest in October of 1980. They were gone for six weeks and were successful in reaching base camp at 17,598 feet above sea level. In 1981 he had the courage to pursue a bold vision and moved his family north to start Saratoga Honda and later Northeast Acura. He later gained ownership of Upstate Autobody. Golf was his sport, and Saratoga Golf and Polo Club was his favorite spot to play. Each year he looked forward to attending the Honda Classic and playing in the Pro-Am, which he was able to attend for close to 26 years. He also enjoyed golfing trips with the "Rover Boys."

Jim was a self-made man who worked hard to provide for his family and fulfill his dreams. He will be remembered for his dry wit and commitment to his family and community.  He served on the board of directors for many organizations, including the Transitional Services Association Inc., The Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. from 1993 to 2008, he was on the Executive Board to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Managers at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club from 2003 to 2009, President of the Condo Board at Franklin Square II, and served on the National Dealer Advisory Board for both Honda and Acura. Jim was also a proud member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by two brothers, Peter and John Higgins and one sister, Kathleen Higgins Steele.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sally Suttile Higgins of Saratoga Springs; two sons, Timothy M. Higgins and his wife Lisa of Saratoga Springs, Matthew J. Higgins and his wife Lauren of Myrtle Beach, SC; two daughters, Elizabeth A. Benoit and her husband Anthony of Hingham, MA and Margaret M. Mraz and her husband Paul of Chapel Hill, NC; twelve grandchildren, Ryan and Lindsay Higgins, Mason, Hannah, LoLa Jean and Poppy Finn Higgins, Christopher, Sean and Justin Benoit, Maisie, Colin and Martin Mraz and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Friday, August 10, 2018 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway by the Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier, pastor.

Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue.

Jim's family would like to thank the Wesley Senior Solutions, the Home of the Good Shepherd Memory Care Unit, the staff on 3 Hathorn at Wesley Health Care Center, the Hospice Community and all of those who supported Jim on his journey.

Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205; Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; or the Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.