James Spencer "Spence" Higgs, Jr.
May 24, 1959 ~ July 8, 2026
Born in: Leonardtown, Maryland
Resided in: Leonardtown , Maryland
James Spencer “Spence” Higgs Jr., age 67, of Leonardtown, Maryland, passed away on July 8, 2026. Born on May 24, 1959, to James and Agnes Higgs, Spence lived a life rooted in family, faith, hard work, and the community he called home.
A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Spence was proud of his Southern Maryland roots. He graduated from Chopticon High School in 1978 and went on to work as a cabinet maker, where he used his hands, patience, and skill to create work that was both useful and beautiful.
Spence found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and he appreciated the peace and quiet that came with being close to nature. Whether he was enjoying his favorite fishing spot, preparing for hunting season, or simply sharing stories with family and friends, Spence brought a friendly presence to those around him.
Family was especially important to Spence. He enjoyed gathering with loved ones during the holidays and treasured the time spent in the company of those closest to him. His warmth and kindness helped make those moments meaningful and memorable.
Spence was also a devoted Catholic who regularly attended Mass at St. Aloysius Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and he enjoyed sharing it with others. He will be remembered for his love for family, his devotion to his faith, his pride in his work, and the honest way he lived each day.
Spence is survived by his siblings, John (Teresa) Leroy Higgs of Bryans Road, MD, and Timothy David Higgs of Leonardtown, MD; his nephews, Russell Higgs of Brandywine, MD, and David Higgs of Leonardtown, MD; his niece, Brianna (Garrett) Raymond of Aquasco, MD; his grandniece, Emersyn Raymond, and grandnephews, Carter and Parker Raymond, of Aquasco, MD.
Spence was preceded in death by his parents, James Spencer Higgs Sr. and Agnes Frances Abell Higgs, and his sister, Teresa Marie Milan.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the church, with Reverend David Beaubien officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be Russell Higgs, David Higgs, Brianna Raymond, and Garrett Raymond.
Contributions may be made to St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Leonardtown, MD.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Services
Interment: Friday, July 17, 2026 12:30 pm
Charles Memorial Gardens
26325 Point Lookout Road
Leonardtown, MD 20650
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My sincere condolences to Spencer’s family. I went to High School with Spencer. He was kind, quiet, and intelligent. I remember his help in Mr. Higgins math class. It was truly appreciated. Thank you Spencer. May you rest in peace.
Sharon Quade-Lacey