James Alfred Heist, 68, passed unexpectedly from this life on Jan. 24, 2016. Jim was born in the quaint farming community of Sterling, on May 13, 1947. He was the first of six children born to Stanley and Lillian (James) Heist and was adored by his siblings. This is where he inherited his steadfast devotion and love for family. Following high school, with his intelligent mind geared toward the intricacies of engineering, he left home to attend Colorado School of Mines where he graduated in 1969 as a Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineer. Later, his career evolved to civil engineering and sales which took him all over the world. In 1972 he married his beloved Sue and their wonderful journey together took them from Missouri to Arizona, to Northern California, and then Massachusetts to North Carolina where they made their final home together in Cary. His proudest days were undoubtedly those when they brought home their children. Megan blessed their home in 1984 and Chris in 1987. Fatherhood suited Jim very well and eventually Grandfather-hood brought yet another level of joy to his life. Dogs held a special place in his heart and were always part of the family, receiving their fair share of his attention and compassionate care. Jim had a gift for being an attentive and doting family man, all the while being fervent about the work he did in order to provide anything and everything he could for them. He liked to explain his work and share stories and pictures of the faraway places his business took him. Still, nothing compared to how he cherished time spent with loved ones. Among a variety of activities Jim enjoyed experimenting with new recipes, opening a bottle of wine to accompany them, yelling from the stands at his children's and grand children's sporting events, taking advantage of every opportunity to go fishing with his son and being in the company of his beautiful wife. Jim was predeceased by his father, Stanley; mother, Lillian; and sister, Betty Barks. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Mers) Heist; daughter, Megan; granddaughters, Brianna and Chloe; son, Christopher; brother, Bill (Karen) Heist; brother, John (Carrie) Heist; sister, Barbara Korbe-Bernhardt; sister, Jane (Allan Willey) Heist; brother-in-law, Richard Barks; 10 nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and -nephews. A Funeral mass will be held on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at 11 a.m., at St. Andrew's Catholic Church. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal Advocate on Jan. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Heist

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

12 Entries

Ruth Crane

January 27, 2020

1/27/20
There is a picture of Jim at the entrance of the PWT office. Every time I enter the office and walk by Jim's picture, his smile is such a welcoming reminder of the business that Jim did so much to build. In all of my years working for small companies, there are only a few people that I recall with such respect and fondness.

Those of us that had the honor of working with Jim will never forget him.

May I extend my respect and warmest thoughts to Jim's family.

Ruth Crane

Maryann Dulick

February 1, 2016

Sue - Sean and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We heard the news this morning. Jim was a very special person and he loved life to the fullest. You are in our prayers.
Maryann Dulick

February 1, 2016

To Sue and Family-I had the privilege to work with Jim when he was at Kruger as his representative in PA and MD. We made several trips to Europe to visit many installations and after he moved on to PW Tech I also had the chance to work with Jim as his rep. I remember him as a caring and loving family man, who also loved animals. We spent many hours talking about his family and your pets.

I will miss him tremendously as a friend and mentor. He really helped me with my sales career, for which I am so very grateful. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Dave Lounsbury
Lancaster, PA

Ken Hunt

February 1, 2016

Jim was devoted to his family, a tireless worker, and a dedicated and trusted friend. Over the years, both as friends and work colleagues, we have shared many great moments and some difficult challenges but always remained the best of friends. Jim was as good as they come.

Rob Rainford

January 31, 2016

To Sue and Family - My deepest condolences for your loss. Jim was a very special person and touched my life as he touched so many others. Jim was a mentor to me and a true gentleman. I was always amazed at the breadth of his knowledge on so many topics. Jim's desire to share what he knew was always very uplifting to me. It always made me feel special that a person of his caliber was willing to spend time mentoring me. Jim will always be in my heart as a role model for extending kindness and of seeing the best in others.

Tom Osborn

January 29, 2016

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim almost 20 years ago and continued working with him on various projects through the years. Everyone in our office enjoyed chatting with Jim because he was so uplifting and caring, never uttering a harsh word about anyone. Although he was on the road a lot, his heart was always at home with his wife and family. Jim was a kind, loyal colleague and a good man. Rest in peace friend.

Gus Willis

January 28, 2016

To Sue and family - my deepest condolences, I was lucky to have Jim as a friend and colleague. He took me under his wing when I emigrated to the US in 2002 and we remained friends ever since, even when I moved back to UK. Some of the best times of my life were spent with Jim, his sense of humour and work ethic, were second to none. We would always find something that made us laugh and Jim's professionalism in front of clients, most of whom thought of Jim as a friend, really inspired me. I have never worked before with someone whom I respected so much, Jim was what I believe was a true gentleman and the best engineer I have ever had the privilege of working with. Sue, my thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time, Jim will be sadly missed.

John & Kathy

January 28, 2016

Jim was a wonderful friend, co-worker and organizer of all sorts of activities from the company softball and flag football teams to camping and hiking trips. It was uncle Jim and aunt Sue for our kids and he was a very convincing Santa to our kids one special Christmas. We will all miss him, and remember tenderly the many wonderful things we shared with him both at work and at play. Sue, our prayers are with you and the family in this time of loss. We will not be able to join you at mass on Monday at 11am there in NC but we will be at mass here in California at that time praying for you and the family. Kathy and John Kluesener

Ruth Crane

January 28, 2016

To the Heist family - I have worked with Jim for about 5 years now. When I think of the people I have known that are truly good - I count Jim amongst these few. He is genuinely kind and gentle and a pleasure to work with. Please take comfort in the knowledge that so many of his professional peers revered Jim's professional prowess and respected the man for his constant and unfaltering good humor and kindness. We mourn with you.

Marco DeLiso

January 26, 2016

Jim was a great mentor to me in the first years of my career. I always respected his dedication and kindness. I am sad to hear the news and will be there Monday.

Jen Eligh

January 26, 2016

To the Heist family. My heart simply aches for your loss. I was an employee of Jim's for four years and never have I met a more hardworking, kind, generous family man. He spoke of you all in such a way that only a loving husband, father and grandfather can. The news of his passing is both alarming and devastating. My hope is that you can feel his loving spirit around you always and that you are comforted with the idea that he is now with the angels.
Much love and prayers.

Mike Mele

January 26, 2016

My prayers are with you Sue. Jim has been a friend in business for 20 years. I respected him a great deal. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results