James V. "Jim" Biglan, Jr. Service Information

James “Jim” Vaughn Biglan Jr passed away on February 2, 2021 following a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 77 years old.

Jim was born in Queens New York City on April 1, 1943 to Clara Rita Biglan (Pavone) and James Vaughn Biglan. He was the beloved husband of Elaine Claire Biglan (Forbes) for over 55 years.

He was raised in Philadelphia. Upon graduation from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1961 he enlisted in the Marine Corps, an experience that would change his life for the better, living by their motto “Semper Fidelis.” The Marines taught him discipline and hard work and he immediately put these lessons to work using the GI Bill to attend La Salle College in Philadelphia at night while working full time and raising a young family. While often attempting to project a tough ex-Marine façade, everyone knew him to be a kind, tender and caring man. He had a large sense of humor and his sons teased him that his second chin was his “humor sack” where he kept his many, and sometimes funny, jokes. He was adventurous, had a deep love of the outdoors and was never happier than spending a crisp spring day on his favorite trout stream casting a fly repeatedly and waiting for the big one to strike. He passed this love of nature to his family, tirelessly taking his children and grandchildren on outdoor adventures and of course the notorious “float trip.”  While he had great success in life and in his career, he believed that his greatest accomplishment was his family which he supported unconditionally.

He loved his wife and sons and was an energetic and loved grandfather. He is deeply loved and will be missed by his family and friends who will remember him fondly when slurping an oyster, making his famous red sauce with meatballs or on the many occasions we enjoy a gelato (con panna!).

In addition to his beloved wife, Elaine; Jim is survived by his sons, James Vaughn Biglan III and his wife, Marion Hodges-Biglan of Glenside, PA; Kevin Michael Biglan and his wife Sherri Christine Lauver of Zionsville, IN; Jeffrey Scott Biglan of Philadelphia, PA; his loving grandchildren, James Vaughn Biglan IV, Margaret “Maggie” Biglan, Elena Lauver Biglan, Cassandra Lauver Biglan and Peter Carl Lauver Biglan; his sister Susan Fratoni (Biglan) and brother Thomas Biglan. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Donna McLaughlin.

Relatives and friends are invited to his graveside services with military honors on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 11:30 AM at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA 18940 where all guests are asked to arrive at the cemetery administration building by no later than 11:15 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601

As Jim would often say, “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em!”

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