Jack Michael Higgins, 17, of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday December 12th, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving parents and siblings.
Jack was born on May 29th, 2007, to Patrick & Michelle Higgins in St. Louis, MO. Jack was a Senior at St. John Vianney High School where he enjoyed bowling, hanging out with teammates, playing fantasy NFL-NHL-NBA against his buddies, and of course his weekly trips to QT and Panda Express. While at Vianney, Jack achieved a number of academic accomplishments, including Honor Roll and the prestigious Marianist Award. He also achieved enough credits to graduate high school early on December 11th, 2024, just the day before his passing.
Before Jack was diagnosed with cancer in January 2021, he was your typical 13-year-old “sport loving” boy. He played every sport imaginable, including competitive volleyball and basketball. Through it all, basketball remained his true love and passion, and very little gave him more joy than rooting for his siblings, and of course his beloved Boston Celtics. Those that knew Jack could guarantee that when you saw him, he would be sporting some form of Celtics apparel, some days fully head to toe. And even though cancer took away his ability to play the sports he loved so much; he never lost his competitive spirit. It didn’t matter if it was a game of cornhole, UNO, Xbox, or Connect Four, he was always locked in and “in it to win it”! He showed no mercy. That’s why he was so thrilled when he earned a spot on Vianney’s bowling team. He found the competitive outlet he so desperately needed, but more importantly, he overcame his physical limitations to becoming a great bowler. He was always an over achiever in everything he did, so bowling was no different.
Above all of Jack’s academic and athletic accomplishments, his love for God and his faith was utmost important to him. Jack rarely missed Sunday Mass or holy days of obligation, many times motivating his family to get out of bed and go with him. Instead of gaming or browsing social media in the evening before bed, he chose to spend that time studying his bible. He had a designated wall in his bedroom decorated with handwritten notes of scriptures or quotes from the bible that inspired him. Through his entire battle, Jack never questioned God’s plan, and found comfort knowing that God would protect him and welcome him into his kingdom.
Our family cherished every single moment with Jack, and we were so blessed to have him in our lives for 17 years. In those short 17 years, we were able to accomplish so much as a family. Our most cherished memories are vacations to the beach, road trips to any amusement park or NBA venue within half-day drive of St. Louis, weekends boating and fishing at The Lake of The Ozarks with the grandparents, visiting family in Texas, hosting hundreds of pool parties at home with friends and family, celebrating every holiday, plus the countless hours spent in the gym or on the field for whatever sport Jack was playing. And of course, all the many personal milestones Jack achieved in his life. It will all forever be some of our most precious memories that we can hold close to our hearts and be a reminder of how special our lives were with Jack in it.
Jack is survived by his loving parents Patrick & Michelle; his beloved siblings Molly, Macy and Colin; grandparents Robert & Donna Higgins and Dora Stockmann; aunts Melissa Lawler, Monica Shripka (Eric), and Melinda Stockmann; uncle Robert Higgins (Flora); and cousins Nathan and Josh Higgins; Anna, Sara, and Kate Lawler; and Maya, Owen, Myles, and Nolan Shripka. Jack is preceded in death by his grandfather John Stockmann, who passed away Oct 17th, 2024.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Road) Monday, December 16 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Then to St Margaret Mary Alacoque Church Tuesday, December 17 visitation from 9:30 AM until Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Kids with Cancer friendsofkidswithcancer or Make-A-Wish
May your memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Though I did not have the pleasure of knowing Jack personally my granddaughter was inspired by him..
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack you made a huge impact on everyone you encountered. Your light will continue to shine bright. We all love and miss you terribly. The beautiful posts and tributes being sent to you and your family are a true testament to home much you have accomplished in these short 17 years. The strength and determination you had was something I can’t even properly describe.
Michelle Pat Molly Macy Colin we are here for you in anyway possible. You don’t have to do this alone. The Stockmann’s & Higgins are here and ready to help lift your burden. We are so very sorry for this tremendous loss. We love you all.
While I did have the pleasure of meeting Jack I have heard nothing but sweet and loving things about him. I met his grandparents once at my work and the love they shared when they spoke of him let me know how special he was to not only them but everyone that knew him. Please
Accept my sincere condolences at this most difficult time. Jack will never be forgotten
It is with deep heartfelt sympathy that we Djay Smith and family send our deepest condolences to the parents, family & friends of Mr Jack Higgins . As parents who have buried a child though the circumstances are totally different situations , our prayers will forever be with you . Though it may not seem like it in this very moment know that God will grant you a peace that surpasses all understanding and is faithful. May you all find hope in believing on Romans 8:28 “all things work together to the good of those who love the God and are called according to his purpose “. We pray the Lord will give you the continued strength you all need day to day . With Love DJay Smith & Family 👑💚🍀🍀🍀
I am soooooooo sorry for your great loss. God is holding your heart…
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jack but he was a Vianney Griffin and thats enough to let me know he was a special young man. Rest in peace, Jack.
– a fellow Griffin ’73
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to train and get to know Jack at the snow cone stand this summer. Such a sweet kid. Sending so much love to your family❤️
I knew Jack from back at SMMA during gradeschool. He was always such a kind person, and really cared for everyone he met. It hurts to know he’s no longer with us, but I will always remember him fondly for the nice person that he was. I miss you, Jack.
Jack was an incredible student, athlete, son, brother and friend. His journey inspired many even without knowing him personally. He inspired many people including his caregivers. When caring for Jack, we all knew he was a very special young man, very faith filled and brave.
Most sincere condolences to the family.
I was privileged to have Jack for seventh grade religion and literature. Jack was so happy, friendly, and respectful. I know God is holding him close and welcoming him home.
You will all continue to be in my prayers.
I have been heartbroken, so many tears . I didn’t know Jack, but my nephew is a Vianney Jr. & knowing Jack too is part of that bond I pray for him. Fly High Jack. I know you were a wonderful Son, Brother, friend & Griffin .
So sorry you guys, we sent a text to Jayson Tatum & his Mom, they sent us the signed Boston Celtic’s jersey for Jack months ago…they both sent their condolences for your loss & want you to know that they have you in their thoughts and prayers.