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James Hefner Obituary
December 3rd on a clear, crisp night a new star was illuminated in the heavens. Our amazing husband, devoted dad and dear friend, James Nicholas Hefner, slipped away at the home he built, with loving family and friends at his side, following a valiant battle with Renal Cancer.
Jim was born January 1, 1945 in Greenwood, Wisconsin to Peter Nicholas and Catherine Eva Schmitz Hefner. He graduated from Marshfield High School in 1962 and was looking forward to his 50th class reunion next year. He enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation, and was always so proud to serve his country. Jim served 2 tours in Vietnam.
Jim retired from the USAF at the rank of Chief Master Sargeant in 1985 and began his career as a home builder, completing over 50 homes in Davis County. He married the "girl of his dreams" Deborah Black, in 1989 in Norman, Oklahoma at her sister's home. Their family became complete when Ashleigh was born in 1991.
Jim loved living in Farmington and was always involved in activities which made his community a better place. He was currently serving as Commander of American Legion Post #27. Jim loved being with his family, being on his boat at Flaming Gorge, and walking his dog Luci through the Somerset neighborhood he loved. He was always there when someone needed his hand and his hammer.
Jim is survived by his wife, Deb, their daughter Ashleigh, son Nick (Kenna), daughter Melinda (Brian Batie), brother Thomas (Susan), sister Donna (Robert Hinker), sister and brother in law Donna and Steve Minch, nieces Jessie (Matthew Buechel), Beckie Minch-Green, grandchildren, Aliana, Ciara, Jonathan and Marcus, grand nephew Luke, former spouse Leslie Hefner.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10 at 11 a.m. at the Somerset Chapel 1885 N. Summerwood Drive, Farmington. Friends may visit Friday from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main, Farmington and Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davis Education Foundation, 45 E. State St., Farmington 84025 for the Davis High Marching Band in Jim's name. Jim was a "Band Dad" and loved the DHS Band!
Condolences may be sent to www.russonmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hefner
John Fuller
December 24, 2011
Deb and Ashleigh, My deepest sympathies over Jim's passing. He was a very good husband and father and a great person. May Heavenly Father's blessings be upon you this holiday season and in the days to come. I love you both.
John Fuller
Paulette Herman
December 21, 2011
Dear Debbie & Ashleigh, I was so sorry to read about Jim's passing. I had no idea he was ill. I've thought of you often over the past few years, Debbie. May God be with you and comfort you both during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Paulette Herman
Scott & Shelly Hansen
December 15, 2011
Dear Deb, please know we are thinking and praying for you. So sorry to hear about Jim. You are truly a remarkable woman. Best Wishes, Scott & Shelly
Gerilyn Chappell Cardon
December 12, 2011
Dear Debbie, Ashleigh, Mindy, Nick and Leslie--I was so sorry to hear via my parents about Jim's recent passing. I have many good memories of playing at the Hefner home with Mindy and Nicky in Layton. We had some great times! I sincerely hope you find comfort and blessings through this difficult time.
Kathy Brown
December 11, 2011
Dear Deb and Ashleigh, As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May God Bless and comfort you. Much Love Always, Kathy, Tim and Joseph Brown.
Tracie Grant
December 9, 2011
Deb and Ashleigh. You've done Jim proud as you've all battled that cancer over the last year. Much love and many prayers.
Bob Aamodt
December 9, 2011
Jim,
You always brought light and energy with you when you stopped by the office. We were all better to know your acquantaince and blessed by your energy and passion for life.
Deb and Ashleigh,
Our heartfelt condolences. May PEACE be with you.
Sincerely,
Bob Aamodt and Staff
Shelley Riley
December 9, 2011
Deb and Ashleigh my thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not know Jim well but I do know how dearly you both loved him. I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the services, I will be thinking of your family in the days to come.
Kathie Close
December 9, 2011
Deb and Ashleigh - You both are in my thoughts and prayers over the loss of such a wonderful husband, father and Airman. Jim always saw the good in people and looked for ways to make their lives better. No better way to live your life!
For this fellow Airman, he guided and mentored me to become the Airman I am today. For that I am truly grateful.
Maj Gen Kathie Close
Ray Baker
December 8, 2011
Deb and Ashleigh, Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Ray & Claudia.
December 8, 2011
Debbie,
I was so saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord bestow His tenderest blessings upon you at this difficult time.
Ron Frandsen
Brigham City, Utah
Elaine Jensen
December 8, 2011
Dear Deb
I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts. I pray God's peace will be with you during this difficult time. Love Elaine Jensen
john thompson
December 8, 2011
Deb,
I was shocked to read the obit yesterday and wish to offer my deepest condolences and sincerest sympathy to you and the family. Knew Jim a little through the Legion and he covered all the bases - a gentleman, a husband, father, friend, patriot, and an unselfish contributor to his community. He was, and will be remembered as, a good man. as ever, john thompson
Richard Kennard
December 7, 2011
deb & ashleigh, i am so sad to hear of your loss. jim was a great guy. it was a great experience for me to build that house with him. your family will be in my prayers.
love Rich
Douglas and Carol Richins
December 7, 2011
Dear Deb and Ashleigh,
So sorry to read about your tremendous loss. May you be blessed with the 'Peace that passeth understanding' at this very tender time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blaine & MaryLou Buck
December 7, 2011
Dear Deb & Ashleigh -
We were vey saddened to learn of Jim's passing and extend our sympathy and love. We know how much he meant to you, and his void cannot be filled. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Again, our sincerest condolences.
All our love,
Blaine & MaryLou Buck
December 7, 2011
Mindy...I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you will find the comfort that you need from your family and friends during this time. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Lindy Greene (Kaysville, Ut)
December 7, 2011
Dear Deb & Ashleigh: We were shocked to see Jim's obituary in today's paper. Saddened by the passing of a long-time special friend who was a man among men. Know that our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. Love & Hugs - Don & Marsha Chappell, Loa UT
Logan, Jenny & Samantha Brand
December 7, 2011
Our Dearest Deb and Ash,
We love Jim and we love you. We know you will miss him every day. He was the best of men and a fine friend. Our prayers are with you and our arms will always be around you. We will always be grateful for our friendship and association with your family. xoxoxoxo
Bo Lyon
December 7, 2011
Mindy and family.....I am so sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to all of you and there are no words to express the sorrow I feel for you all. Having many losses myself....I feel your pain! May God be with you all at this difficult time and as you face the days ahead. Think of and cherish the good memories and as time slips by each and everyday those memories will bring more smiles to your face! Hugs and Prayers! Love ya, Mindy! Bo Lyon and family
December 7, 2011
Dear Deb & Ashleigh, We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy and love. You are all very dear to us and we shall cherish all the wonderful memories. Barb and Heather and families will be there for you at any time so please don't hesitate to call them. Sorry we can't be there but you know we love you dearly. God Bless and watch over you. Love, Murray & Georgina and all the Ford Family.
Darwin Sparrow
December 7, 2011
Hef, You were a great friend! My family and I will miss you dearly. To Deb and Ashleigh our thoughts and prayers are with you. If you looked up "friend" in my personal dictionary you would find his picture. He was the true definition of a friend!
Bob Green
December 7, 2011
Dear Deb (DBH), I'm so sorry for your loss at this time, and my condolences to the family. Hope all of you will be able to handle his passing the best way possible. Our prayers are with you.
Best wishes from your long-time friend & colleague, Bob Green
Becky Nelson
December 7, 2011
Dear Deb and Ashleigh - We were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing this past weekend. What an amazing man! I have always been so touched by your beautiful marriage and love and support of anything you are involved in. It was a joy to go on band trips with the two of you and associate with you through the years. Please know of our great love for you and of our sorrow in Jim's passing. Sincerely, Dave and Becky Nelson
Pauline Johansson
December 7, 2011
Mindie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Prayers going out for you and your family. Love and miss you a lot
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