James J. Heintskill

James J. Heintskill passed away peacefully on February 25th, 2025 at Hampton Nursing and Rehab in Bay City, MI. Jim was born at home in Bay City, MI, on November 3, 1939, to John and Julia (Sliwinski) Heintskill. He graduated from St. James High School in 1957 and went on to serve our great country in the United States Air Force as a Morse code operator. During his time in the Air Force, he had the privilege of playing baseball on the Air Force Baseball Team. His love for the game continued as he played on several baseball, softball and blooper ball teams in Bay County for many years. Jim was extremely proud of his service to our country and held deep respect for his time in the military.
Jim worked for American Hoist and later for Consumers Energy. He was also a member of All Saints Catholic Parish, American Legion Post 18 and Knights of Columbus # 414. Jim also spent several years as a head coach of Little League baseball.
On June 10, 1967, he married the love of his life, Julie J. Swinehart, who survives him. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a devoted father to his children, Jenifer J. Kusak of Trenton, MI and James J. (Lynda) Heintskill II of Portage, MI. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather to Jillian and Brady Kusak and Brexten and Breslyn Heintskill.
Family and friends were everything to Jim. He loved family get-togethers and parties, trips to Lake Powell on the houseboat, and family vacations. He and Julie also enjoyed traveling up north with Rose and Gary Connelly, making frequent stops at roadside parks for lively card games of "Screw Your Neighbor." Whether you called him Radio City Jim, Jamooda or Big Jim, he was loved by all.
A lifelong sports fan, Jim enjoyed watching Michigan State athletics and never missed an opportunity to watch or listen to the Detroit Tigers. He also found much joy in trips to the casino with his brothers and friends, always looking forward to the camaraderie and excitement.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Julie; his children and grandchildren; his siblings: Carolyn (Dan) Baxter, John (Joy) Heintskill, William (Janie) Heintskill, Thomas (Celeste) Heintskill, Richard (Janice) Heintskill, and Linda (Roger) Gillisse; and his brother-in-law David (Sonia) Swinehart. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews Robert (Tina) Yacks, Scott (Heidi) Heintskill, Mathew (Jessica) Heintskill, Shawn Heintskill, Kimberly (Doug) Campbell, Christopher (Mindy) Heintskill, Sarah (Noah) Cross, David (Trisha) Heintskill, Joseph (Stephanie) Heintskill, Jeanie (Tyler) Zwingman, Lisa (Tylor) Heintskill, Eric (Jessie) Swinehart, 24 great-nieces/nephews and several Heintskill and Sliwinski cousins. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Julia Heintskill; his siblings, Arlene (Vern) Yacks and Robert (Connie) Heintskill; his in-laws, Mel (Viola) Swinehart and Alan Swinehart; his nephew and niece, Michael Heintskill and Traci Swinehart; and many other beloved family members.
Big Jim's warmth, humor, and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
The Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at All Saints Parish – St. James Church with Fr. Jose Cabrera presiding, followed by military honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force. Private interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. Visiting hours will be at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The family suggests donations in Jim's memory to All Saints Parish. For on-line sentiments, please go to: www.trahanfc.com