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Jim grew up in Dearborn, Michigan. His lifelong love of trains began by crossing the alley to explore, and later work in, the hobby shop on the corner named Star Hobbies. His professional career started as a shop teacher in Detroit that resulted in many entertaining stories of those experiences. He met the love of his life, Judy Haggerty, when they both stood up in their friends' wedding. They were married in 1968 and had three children. The family relocated to Wisconsin when Jim accepted a position with Kalmbach Publishing's Model Railroader Magazine.
Jim worked at the magazine for 43 years, making countless friends and being a pioneer in the model railroading hobby. His helix double decker layout design was one of his crowning achievements. Jim never tired of meeting his fans during train conventions, welcoming visitors in his home to see his train layout, or stopping at all of his favorite hobby shops around the country. Always a quick wit with a wonderful sense of humor, Jim had a way with words. Whether writing his monthly columns, product reviews, or "strongly worded letters" when taking on an injustice, his voice could be heard coming from the page.
Jim was a tireless family man. With three children in sports, Scouts, band, and other activities, he always managed to be in the stands cheering them on. He was the strong and steady type, gently applying mercurochrome to scraped knees, pulling out splinters with a steady hand, and helping with homework and projects whenever needed. He never failed to warn his kids about the "Pewaukee heroes" that liked to give out speeding tickets on the nearby roads as they bounded out the door with keys in hand. He was always so proud of his children and grandchildren, and was quick to tell anyone that would listen about them.
Jim will be missed by many. Whenever a train can be heard in the distance or seen rumbling down the tracks, he will be remembered. As Jim steps off this train of life, he leaves behind wonderful memories for his loved ones to cherish.
A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Harder Funeral Home, 18700 West Capitol Drive Brookfield, Wisconsin, with the visitation beginning at 4 PM until the time of Service at 6 PM. Private interment at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, Illinois. Memorial contributions can be made to your local model railroad club or the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.ORG).
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John Armstrong
July 24, 2025
We miss you! You were one of my favorite MR staff. I learned so much from you.
John Armstrong
Hinckley Southern RR
John Rousch
February 4, 2025
A wonderful man that we shared a background as a shop teacher, having skills to do most anything. I appreciated his common sense and how to approach to the model railroading hobby and I followed him for many years. Down to earth and humble was how Jim presented himself to the world, always ready to help someone. He will be missed.
Martin matsil
April 10, 2024
as a life long,train/rail enthusiast,i never had the pleasure of meeting,Mr.hediger.But love trains,as most teens,do.i do not have a layout,now,but collecting trains,for an evantual layout,depicting,the metro-north,harlem line.May the family be blessed by almighty God,at this somber moment.!
Stuart Roberts
February 23, 2024
In modelling and in life, strive for perfection, but accept that perfection is a journey, not a destination.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I only knew Jim through his writing on model railroading. His willingness to share his knowledge, along with little pieces of his life made his written work interesting & entertaining, no matter the topic.
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Daniel Rawers
February 17, 2024
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always one of my favorite authors and personalities at Model Railroader. When my family and I came to Kalmbach to visit, he was our guide through the offices. My son treasures the engineer hat Jim autographed for him and the letter he received from Jim when he attained his Eagle Scout. My dad, son and I always made sure to stop and say "hi" to Jim if we were at Trainfest. Jim may not have remembered our names but he did remember our faces and was always willing to spend some time talking with us, as well as any one else he encountered.
Jim's grace, knowledge and humor will be greatly missed. He one one of the last of a dying breed of modelers who truly understood that Model Railroading is fun. Clear block ahead and highball! Rest in Peace.
Clinton Anderson
February 17, 2024
I remember when Jim joined MR in 1972. I almost ran into him as I left a presentation at an NMRA Convention. The 'Hi' he gave me without missing a beat made me feel as if we'd known each other for years. I've missed his byline since his retirement. My condolences to his family and friends. Jim's contributions to the hobby were as important as many of our greatest!
John Armstrong
February 16, 2024
I am truly sad to hear of Jim's passing. I have enjoyed his articles in MR since he first started there. I especially enjoyed the videos he made with David Popp about his time with MR. My favorite video was the one about the oscilloscope. He was most knowledgeable and innovative. He should be at the top of the list for MR's Hall of Fame.
John Armstrong
John Rousch
February 16, 2024
He was one of the major factors that kept me involved in the hobby, through years of career changes in location from coast to coast and 14 different layouts. I appreciated his down to earth and practical way of writing. He and I shared our "Industrial Arts" teaching background, which is a fine preparation to building and designing layouts. He was a pioneer and will be missed.
Ed Padgett
February 14, 2024
Ed Padgett
I met Jim in the 70´s at a convention. We got to talking and I asked how he came to work for Kahmbach. He said he was reading the masthead in Model Railroad and realized many of the staff members had been there "forever". So he contacted them and started a new career. I served on the WISE board and Trainfest Committee as well. Yes, I also have some ho cars he crafted. It was a pleasure working with Jim.
My prayers are with his family and those that ever worked and "played" with him. James will certainly be missed.
Christine McGuirk
February 12, 2024
When I started working at the same publishing company where Jim worked, he was one of the first people to welcome me. He was always generous with his time, a patient teacher and kind to all. Jim will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family and many friends.
John Alaniva
February 12, 2024
Jim had a profound influence on my modeling when I got serious about it in the late 1970s. I enjoyed his "Paint Shop" articles in Model Railroader as well as all the articles about his Ohio Southern RR. I met him several times at various NMRA conventions and he was always gracious. A proud moment came in 2007 when he graced my layout with a visit during the NMRA convention that year. I thank you for your friendship, and may you rest in peace.
Tom Dorin
February 12, 2024
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Jim.
I was a big fan of Jim's Ohio Southern model railroad, and I was deeply influenced by his work. My favorite article about his layout was in the July 1978 issue of Model Railroader, and I have read it countless times. I am a retired Locomotive Engineer and I was really impressed how he captured the look of a real railroad by the way his towns were laid out and how he described a "Ride over the Ohio Southern" which was very well written and captured a trip very well. I have purchased two or three of these issues as I am constantly looking at it. I also enjoyed his other works as well, he had a great way to write and presented his topics in a easy to understand way.
I hope you all are able to find peace and comfort as you begin and work your way through the healing process.
Dan Brewer
February 11, 2024
My model railroad is graced with a model that I bought from Jim at an NMRA event some years ago. We had a very nice chat about how I was using his turnaround staging design in my basement and thanked him for his insights. What a nice man was Jim. Rest eternal grant unto Jim, Oh Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Dustin Smith
February 11, 2024
The Midwestern Road, based out of Oelwein Iowa, thanks JDH for his guidance on model railroading and consistently bringing new great ideas to our great hobby. He was truly a favorite and friend through the great articles and books that he masterfully created. Our condolences to his family.
Jason Trew
February 10, 2024
On behalf of the Trewsville Southern Railroad in Chattanooga, TN, and to the staff of Kalmbach Media, we offer our condolences to you and your friends and family,
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