James Thomas "Jim" Highland's Obituary
Born April 28, 1928 in Lexington, KY and passed away October 10, 2016 in Dallas, TX. Preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn Blount Highland; his beloved brother, Russell, and his devoted son-in-law, John Acra. Survived by: Children: Denise Acra, David & Patty Yingling Highland, Teresa Highland, and John & Alyssa Long Highland; Grand-children: Lorien Lankford, Ben, Emma, Dawson, Miles, and Henderson Highland, Casie Thompson and Darryl “DJ” Washburn; Great-grand-children: Evelyn and Xander Bates and Lydia Chitester. Jim was the first in his family to graduate from college, obtaining his BS in Civil Engineering in 1951 from the University of Kentucky. Jim was a licensed professional engineer for over 60 years, and practiced as a civil/sanitary engineer for 45 years, starting with Watkins & Associates in Lexington, KY, and retiring from the U.S. EPA in January 1995. As a lifelong member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Jim served in various capacities, chairing committees, singing in choirs for almost 60 years, ringing in handbell choirs for two decades, and teaching Sunday School. Jim was chair of the building committee responsible for the construction of the beautiful sanctuary building at Arlington Christian Church in Lexington, KY. Jim served for over ten years as a reserve officer (captain) in the Army Corps of Engineers. Jim was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, and faithful Christian, who, after a lifetime of service to family, community, and church, wished for nothing more than to continue to love, serve and be involved, and to spend even more time with his children and grandchildren. His family celebrates his life and will miss him terribly, and rejoices that he was ready and willing to move on to what God has in store for him. Services will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Chapel, Restland Funeral Home & Cemetery. After the graveside service at Restland, there will be a gathering of family and friends at Highlands Christian Church, 9949 McCree Road, Dallas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Highlands Christian Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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