James (J.T.) Tyler Higgins

James Tyler (J.T.) Higgins, age 44, passed away on April 26, 2026, in Eagle Nest, New Mexico.

J.T. was born June 11, 1981, in Lubbock, Texas. His grit and determination were evident from an early age. J.T. was recently told by a childhood coach that he was one of the best kids to coach, remarking that, “J.T. would run through a brick wall for me if I asked him to!”

After graduation from Monahans High School in 2000, J.T. attended Texas Tech University. While attending Texas Tech, J.T. discovered his love for live music and enjoyed traveling to see his favorite bands. J.T. was a loyal friend with a magnetic personality. He loved skiing and any outdoor adventure, gathering new friends all along the way.

After graduating from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, J.T. decided to go all-in on his passion for skiing and the outdoors and made a career working in ski resort services. This allowed him to ski often and work in the mountains, which is where he truly felt at home. He spent time working at Mammoth Mountain, in California, and Telluride Ski Resort, in Colorado. Anyone who had the pleasure of spending a day on the mountain with J.T. was in awe of his beautiful skiing style. He had an effortless grace that showed he was most comfortable on skis.

J.T.’s physical strength and determination pulled him through many adversities. J.T. was authentic. He stayed true to himself; everyone knew who he was and where he stood. He loved his friends and family, and he made others feel seen and special. J.T. knew, and was comforted by, a deep love of Jesus. He will be remembered for his intensity - in friendships, in efforts, and in opinions! Next time you’re on the mountain, make some turns in his memory.

J.T. was preceded in death by his father, Ted Higgins; paternal grandparents, Mary K. and Rusty Higgins; maternal grandparents, Claire and Ray Snead; and bonus grandfather, Calvin Murray.

He is survived by his parents, Suzy and Scott Murray; his bonus grandmother, Genie Murray; his siblings: Cathryn Higgins Dail and husband, Les, Christen Higgins Parker and husband, Kevin, Mark Murray and wife, Tara, and Madison Murray Rose and husband, Andy; his nieces and nephews: Raylee Parker Flores, and husband, Arturo, and baby, Esperanza, Cathryn Parker, Elizabeth Dail, Solon Dail, Adalynn Parker, Brackett Murray, Charlotte Rose, Calvin Murray, Ellen Rose, Maxwell Murray, Porter Rose, and Nora Murray; and his many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Polk Street Methodist Church with The Reverend Kevin Parker officiating. Arrangements are being made through Boxwell Brothers, Amarillo, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in J.T.’s memory to a charity of your choice.