Rebel Hog,
I don't think it is a J.C. Higgins Sears and Roebuck rifle. I have found several of those with pictures on the internet and they are all engraved with J.C. Higgins and Sears Roebuck & company. My rifle is not engraved with these things. The rifle I have found to be the closest is this one:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=104819022
My grandfather gave me this rifle when I turned 12 which was 1986. I do know that he had owned it for quite a long time previous to that.