HIGBEE, HARRY OLIVER

HIGBEE, HARRY O.
Harry Oliver Higbee, age 85 of Cape May, New Jersey passed away on Thursday September 12, 2024 at Delmar Manor Assisted Living.
Born in Fortescue, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Clarence Addison “Jim” Higbee and Mildred (Cossaboon) Higbee. He was the loving husband of the late Virginia Warren Higbee.
Harry was a graduate of Bridgeton High School, Class of 1957. Harry was a waterman from a very young age. Working with his father on the family party boat “Bay Sweep” he eventually became a commercial clammer. There was nothing more that he wanted than to become a commercial fisherman, which he excelled at. He became Captain of the F/V Kathleen Riggin, out of Port Norris for Riggin and Robbins (which eventually became Gortons). After his father's passing, he became the owner of the F/V Katie Sharp. Having a work ethic like no other, he eventually purchased the F/V Billy Jo and F/V Debbie & Jeanette. He clammed up and down the coast from Oyster, Virginia to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. While living in Ocean City, MD is where he met the love of his life, his wife Virginia.
After retirement, Harry and Virginia could be found fishing and cruising up and down the east coast on their boat “Eastern Shore” taking trips with many friends and family. Harry loved teaching his grandchildren to fish and about being on the water, this is where he was most at home.
In the winters, they would head south for Key Largo, FL. Harry knew no strangers and made friends wherever he went. With the wink of an eye or his quick wit, wherever Harry was, you knew it.
Harry is survived by daughters Jeanette Higbee, Deborah Higbee and son; William “Billy” Higbee (Faith), stepdaughter Virginia “Ginna” Jenkins, grandchildren Jeana, Kenneth (Amy), Tyler, Jodi, Brielle, also Matthew (Jessica), Michael (Candice), Charles “Chase” III (Gabrielle) and Jeffrey (Shannon); great-grandchildren, Julius, Alayna, Juliana, Abraxus, Cullen, Kingsley, Hannah and Charles IV. He is also survived by his sister, Marilee (Jerry) Bryan, and sisters-in-law Elizabeth “Betty” Higbee, Kathleen “Kay” Biondi and Carolyn Elliott.
In addition to his wife, Virginia, and his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his infant son, Harry Higbee, Jr. and his brother, Clarence “Bunky” Higbee. He was also preceded by stepchildren Joan “Jody” Jenkins and Charles R. “Buddy” Jenkins, Jr.
Our entire family would like to express our thanks and deepest gratitude to the staff of Delmar Manor, Memory Care Facility in Delmar, MD for their love and care of Harry.
A Celebration of Life service will be 11:30 AM Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ 08204. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10:30 until the time of service. We ask that you do not wear black as this is a celebration and to share a Harry story.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry's name to The Fisherman's Memorial, City of Cape May Finance Department, 643 Washington St Cape May, NJ 08204 or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared at EvoyFuneralHome.com or
BurbageFuneralHome.com