James Harland “Hal” Higby
July 24, 1946 – September 30, 2026

James Harland Higby, known to all as Hal, passed away on September 30, 2026, after a series of health setbacks. He was 80 years old. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a steady presence in every community he called home.

Hal was born on July 24, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, to James Edwin and Jean (Braner) Higby. Hardworking to his core, he held many jobs in his youth, including work on local farms, where his love of tractors was born. At Eden Central High School in Eden, New York, he was President of Student Council, a member of the wrestling, football, downhill skiing and tennis teams, a participant in the American Legion’s Boys’ State leadership program, and a member of the National Honor Society.

He went on to attend his beloved Hamilton College, where he majored in English and joined the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, forming close and lasting friendships. His service to Hamilton never ended. As an alumnus, he served continually as a class agent, on many reunion committees, and on the Alumni Council, and he joined the Parents Advisory Council during his son’s years at the College. Hamilton recognized his dedication several times, including with a Volunteer of the Year Award and, most recently, the College Key Award.

Hal served his country as a combat medic in Vietnam, attached to the 101st Airborne Division. When he returned to Hamilton, he met Judy Fulton, the woman who would become his wife. He later earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and built a distinguished career as a chief financial officer and chief operating officer in publishing, with Harper & Row and Times Mirror Companies. In 1998, he co-founded StayWell Health Management, focusing his work on consumer healthcare information, including Harvard Medical School newsletters.

Hal and Judy were married on June 19, 1971, and shared more than 55 years of adventures, from Chatham, New Jersey, to Wilton, Connecticut, to Glen Ellyn, Illinois, back to Wilton, and finally settling in Pittsford, New York, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Along the way, Hal coached soccer teams, served as a Scout Master, hosted countless high school theater cast parties, and chaperoned choir tours. He loved welcoming friends and family to Martha’s Vineyard, and he created years of memories boating, hiking and swimming on Big Moose Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. He tasted wines across Europe and was a lifelong student of history, particularly the Civil War.

Hal will be remembered for his intellect, his patience, his leadership, and above all his commitment to many organizations he valued. He volunteered in many roles, including Chair of the Board of Education for the Wilton School District in Connecticut, a leader on the Kenyon Parents Council, Vice Chairman of the Board of Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, Treasurer of the Wilton Historical Society, and member of the Nutmeg Investment Club. Together with Judy, he received many recognitions for community service and dedication.

Hal is survived by his wife, Judy (Fulton) Higby; his children, Jonathan Higby (Edana Cassol), Devon Higby (Jonathan Witmer), and Annie Higby Ellsworth (Christopher Ellsworth); and his four grandchildren, Cameron and Nora Witmer and Abigail and Marin Ellsworth. He is also survived by his brother, David Higby (Nancy Hand Higby); his nephew, James Higby; his niece, Maggie Higby Ericksen (Kurt Ericksen); and Judy’s siblings, their spouses and children.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date. To continue Hal’s tradition of philanthropy and service, the family asks that donations be made to the Wilton Historical Society or to your local visiting nurse or hospice organization, in lieu of flowers. Information about a scholarship at Hamilton College in Hal’s memory will be shared in the future.