Grandpa Higurashi

is often covering for Kagome's absences at school with interesting excuses, which make Kagome's friends worry a lot about her.

Grandpa is identified by his clothing as a traditional Japanese Shinto Priest, apparently the current custodian/guardian/caretaker/owner of the Higurashi Shrine which has been in the family for generations.

Grandpa continually tries to inject some education of the history of the family shrine into everyday life - even to the point of discussing the "history of pickles," much to Kagome's dismay.

Grandpa maintains the shrine grounds, buildings, the sacred tree, handles offerings, and the various Shinto religious ceremonies that are required. He tries to bring in some income to pay the bills by selling various religious paraphernalia, such as the Sacred Jewel key chains (日暮神社 四魂の玉 キ一ホルダ一 ).

He is skilled in handling objects brought to him that need to be blessed, cleansed, or sealed. His abilities save him from death in episode 11, "Terror of the Ancient Noh Mask". But Grandpa's powers are clearly overcome by Inuyasha as he breaks through Grandpa's Ofuda - or "written oracles" in episode 4 "Yura of the Demon-Hair". Although this could be because Inuyasha is only half-demon, it could also be because his charms don't work at all.

In the manga, it is revealed that Kagome's mother is his daughter-in-law who moved to Higurashi Shrine after tragic death of his son and his wife (Kagome's grandmother).

Relationships
Grandpa's relationship with Kagome's father is not known, however it is clear that he worried about his son's future with his wife and still mourns for death of his only child.
 * Mr Higurashi

His relationship with his wife and mother of his son is unknown it is clear he missed his wife
 * Wife


 * Mrs Higurashi

As Kagome was his first grandchild, he cares for her a lot and tries to teach her about traditional stuffs. He also lied to Kagome's classmates about her illness, which makes Kagome upset and embarrassed.
 * Kagome

Sota was his second grandchild who was born after death of his son. he wanted Sota as Shinto priest
 * Sota

Grandpa donset like Inuyasha very much. He thinks he reckless and anoying. He once hired Inu yasha to worked part-time at the Higurashi shrine. Then fired him when he knocked over some shelves.
 * Inuyasha 

Manga vs Anime
in episode 11 of anime Grandpa battle with Noh Mask in the fire on shinre caused him hospitalized and while in manga he got food poisoning

Trivia

 * Jii-chan is actually the father of Kagome's father, not the father of her mother.