Jim High

Jim High

1914 to 2013

Jim High, 99 of Denver, and a longtime Dalton resident died late Friday evening, November 29, 2013 at the Medical Center of Aurora in Aurora, Colo.

Memorial services will be held on Jim's 100th birthday, Fri., Feb. 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in the United Church of the Plains, Trinity site with Pastor Leon "Bud" Gillespie officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Dalton Cemetery.

Memorials have been established in Jim's name to the charity of the donor's choice.

Cremation has taken place and there is no visitation at the funeral home. Friends who wish can sign the register book Thursday at the Holechek Funeral Home in Sidney.

You can view the online obituary and share condolences with the family at http://www.holechekfuneralhomes.com

James Benjamin High, one of 14 children of Leroy and Bessie (Napier) High was born Feb. 7, 1914 at Kola, Miss. He grew up and attended school in Seminary, Mississippi. He then attended Mississippi State University before moving to Kentucky where he attended Kentucky Seminary, receiving a Master of Theology.

He married Mary Helen Donald on Dec. 2, 1940 in Louisville, Ky. He ministered in churches in Mississippi, Dallas, TX and Newcastle, Wyo. where they moved in 1956. Jim attended the University of Wyoming where he received Masters Degrees in education and administration. He taught elementary school in several locations as well as serving as principal and superintendent. They moved to Dalton in the early 1970's.

Mary preceded him in death in 2002 and in 2003 he married Marge Vavra of Bushnell. She preceded him in death in 2006. Jim moved to Denver recently to be close to family.

He enjoyed reading, music, family, teaching, gardening, fishing and hunting.

Survivors include one daughter Jimmie Vrazsity of Denver; one son Joe High of Corpus Christi, TX; one brother Ruel High of Greenville, Miss .; two sisters: Madge Gibbons of Edgewater, TX and Helen Harper of Meridian, Miss .; 5 Grandchildren, 8 Great-grandchildren and 2 Great, great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, both wives, 10 siblings and one son Buster.

Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations in Sidney is serving the High family.