James Donovan Heskin

James Donovan Heskin "J.D. Heskin", 86, passed away peacefully at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota with family at his side.

He was born in Grand Forks and grew up in Mayville, North Dakota, where he developed a love for farming and a strong work ethic. As a young man, he hitchhiked across the country, working on farms along the way. James later served in the U.S. Army.

While living in California, James met his wife Katherine, where they started a life together before moving to Minnesota, where James had family and roots. He retired from Franklin Foods in Duluth.

James lived a life centered on family and hard work and was driven by the pursuit of knowledge. He approached life with curiosity and humility. He had a deep appreciation for literature, music, art and history, and enjoyed sharing these passions with his family. He had many interests including blacksmithing, reading, photography, storytelling, gardening and enjoyed the outdoors. He especially loved poetry and took great care to develop his own writing.

Over the years, James had numerous poems published that carry a quiet introspection, rooted in day-to-day moments, personal history, and emotional clarity. He reflected on life's larger themes such as aging, mortality, and gratitude without grandeur.

James and his loving wife Katherine shared 60 years together, raising six children and building a lifetime of memories. Their home was the center of a close-knit and growing family. Later in life, they enjoyed traveling around the US together. James had a special bond with his loyal dog companion, Stella.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Irene (McClaren) Heskin; parents, Nora (Aamold) & Harold Heskin; stepmother, Clara Heskin; and daughter-in-law, Irma Whitney.

James is survived by his children, Steven Whitney, Terri (Harry) Norris, Kristina (Patrick) Garfield, Eric (Christine Glover) Heskin, Leif (Bobbi) Heskin, and Holly (Lee) Dobson; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one more on the way. He is also remembered by his siblings and extended family.

A celebration of life will take place at the family home on a later date.

Dodging Death in Duluth (published by Allegro Poetry Magazine, May – 2015)

Each day gets a bit tougher. To stay alive, I mean.

Gone are youthful days and mid-years, though they are still as clear to me as my morning breakfast.

Then came the time, the time I have long waited for: the time to relax, drink coffee, reminisce, take it easy-

What some have called the comfortable years.

But nobody said much about the hospital visits, the aches, pains, pills and watching where you walk.

But that's ok. There are still those rewarding things: an ample past well-spent, the pride I'll leave behind, and tomorrow maybe, and of course, there's today.

J.D. Heskin