James "Cat Man" Biggers

I have mentioned before that I run a program for our church called Spring Street Outreach -- we bring a group of senior citizens to the church for lunch and activities.  One of my favorites, if I have a favorite, was a man named James Biggers.  He was a tall man, and legally blind.  His smile could light up a room.  He loved people and had lots of friends -- he was always my first stop when I drive the van because he would already know who was coming, who had walked to the church, who had gotten a ride, who was sick, etc.  The girls especially liked him and they would write him cards and we would drop them off with some extra groceries periodically.  He also had great taste in clothes -- he loved them colorful and flashy.  His bedroom had three clothing racks lined up and end to end and at least 50 pairs of shoes lined up on top.  His outfits were always fully coordinated from top to bottom - hats, suits, shirts, ties, socks and shoes.  Well, James passed away two weeks ago and his funeral was last week.  I will greatly miss his hugs and having him say, "I love you" when I would drop him off.

James and I in a photograph taken last spring.

Here is James listening to music at one of our programs with his friend Jessie Mary.

He and Jessie both love to sing and would often sing one or two songs for us if asked.

This is the whole gang.  James is seated in the middle row.

James E. 'Cat Man' Biggers ( age 80)

Survived by children, K. Biggers, Svannah K. Biggers, Janice L. Maruf, Gloria J. Mitchelle, Maratha A. (John) Pickett-Patterson, Diana L. Cobb, Sandra K. (Ray Ray) Biggers and Paulette Biggers; 69 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; a devoted daughter figure and caregiver, Mrs. Elizabeth (Don) Nevils and son, Lamont; devoted and special friend, Mrs Emma Hamilton and family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Mr. Biggers will lie in state on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 10 until 6 at the funeral home and on Wednesday March 28, 2012 from 3 until 6 at Lynn Creek Tabernacle.

Visitation with famiy Wednesday March 28, 2012 from 6 until 7 with funeral to follow at Lynn Creek Tabernacle, Fairgroud Street. Elder Harry McCullough, officiating and Elder James Coure, eulogist.

Interment Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10 AM at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, Tennessee

The day after James' funeral we had our regular lunch meeting and I was a little worried that the seniors would be sad.  I know I was.  However, as fate arranged it, the musician who came to perform for us was the perfect antidote.  He got everyone up and singing -- here they are dancing to "Super Freak"!

Even my kitchen crew got in on the action.

 It turned out to be a wonderful day - a celebration really.  James would have loved it, and I think he was certainly there in spirit.