Obituary of James M. Bigler

James M. Bigler, age 72, passed away peacefully in Gainesville, Florida on Thursday, December 13, 2018 with his wife by his side, after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.  He was born in Hilton, New York to the late Harley (Tug) and Violet Bigler.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10:30 AM to 11 AM at the THOMAS E. BURGER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 735 East Avenue in Hilton, New York, where a brief Service will be held at 11 AM followed by burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Jim graduated from Hilton Central High School in 1964 and subsequently accepted a scholarship from the University of Notre Dame to pursue football.  After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1968, he briefly attended Albany Law School, before relocating to Miami Dade County Florida where he joined Miami Dade Police Department and retired after 31 years of service in 2005.

After retiring from the Miami Dade Police Department, Jim and his family relocated to Gainesville.  Jim enjoyed volunteering at his son’s school and being a loving a supportive husband and father.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Timothy; his seven brothers-in-law, and a host of friends and extended family members.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, December 21, 2018 at 9:30 am at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, with Fr. John Phillips as celebrant, followed by light refreshments.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in honor of James M. Bigler to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606, and the MDPD Police Officers Assistance Trust (POAT), 1030 NW 111th Avenue, Suite 232, Miami FL 33172. 

Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.