James Huggins

James Meredith Huggins, age 67, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026.

James was born on October 24, 1958, in Chicago, IL to James Huggins Jr. and Jessie Mae Huggins of Gloster, Mississippi. He was affectionately known as “Med” by his loving parents and close family.

James attended Holy Cross Elementary School and was a proud graduate of Hales Franciscan High School. He later attended Mississippi Valley State University. After leaving college, James worked as a longshoreman alongside his father, continuing a family tradition of hard work and dedication. He took great pride in the demanding nature of the work and in the bond they shared on the docks. Later in life, James began a career with the United States Postal Service, where he continued to demonstrate the same reliability and strong work ethic.

While James valued the lessons he gained through school and work, his true passion was bowling. It was in bowling alleys throughout the Chicagoland area that he built a second home and a legacy. Known by many names—including Sconey, Black, and Postman—James earned the respect and admiration of fellow bowlers, friends, and spectators alike. In recognition of his skill and dedication to the sport, he was inducted into the Black Bowlers Hall of Fame in Chicago.

James was a natural storyteller. He was funny and had an easy charm that drew people in. His presence could brighten any room, and his smooth style made him one of a kind. Kind, sensitive, and deeply loyal, he formed lasting friendships wherever life carried him. He was a devoted son, brother, and father and will be remembered for the joy, warmth, and generosity he shared so freely.

Among his many accomplishments, James bowled numerous perfect games—twelve strikes in a row, a rare and celebrated achievement in the sport of bowling. But to him, it was never just about the score, it was about the rhythm of the lanes, the friendships formed frame by frame, and the pride of mastering something he loved. Like his life, his perfect games were built on patience, consistency, heart, and shared moments of joy that lasted long after the final pin fell. Like James, let us hold on to those shared moments today and always for he will be deeply missed.

James was preceded in death by: parents- James Huggins Jr & Jessie Mae Huggins, daughter- Tara Huggins, grandsons-Shaheed Malik Paul Stewart & Walter Griffin Jr.

James leaves to cherish his memory: brother, Andre Huggins, Uncles - John B. Matthews, Frank (Maxine) Matthews, and Zebulum (Shirley) Matthews Aunt - Hanna Tobias children, Antoinette Jones (Kimberly), Mamie Lucas, Tiara Huggins-Griffin (Walter) James D. Traylor, John Huggins, Christopher J. Carradine, & Franklin Doyle, 21 grandchildren, & 2 great grandchildren, special niece-Andria Crout, nephews, and a host of relatives and close friends.

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