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James Heverling Obituary
December 5, 1937 - September 4, 2023
Bellingham, Washington - James Howard Heverling, of Bellingham, WA passed away on September 4, 2023, at age 85. He was born in Sedro Woolley to parents Andrew and Dorothy on December 5, 1937.
Jim grew up in Sedro Woolley, where he graduated from high school. After that he attended Graceland University in Iowa where he got an AA degree. Jim went on to become a bus driver for over 35 years with a perfect accident-free record with Whatcom Transportation Authority. He also was a pastor in Bellingham. His nickname at the bus company was Gentleman Jim. People at work would often ask him questions or for advice because as one fellow employee put it "he was as honest as the rising sun." In June of 1965, Jim married the love of his life and soulmate/best friend Jeannie, and they had four children together.
Some of his favorite pastimes were cruising, gardening, telling stories, socializing, playing the piano, working on puzzles, watching Hallmark movies and the Seahawks and spending time with his wife sitting by her side watching the Gaithers.
Jim is proceeded in death by his parents, loving stepfather Bob Magnuson and youngest brother Jock Heverling. Jim leaves behind his wife Jeannie of 58 years, children James of Marysville, Joel of Bellingham, Dan of Bellingham, and Carrie (Matt) Risner of Moscow, ID; grandchildren Ethan, Jonah, Owen, Lily, Wyatt, Ivy, and younger brother Jeff Heverling of Duluth, MN.
Jim's family describes him as a gentleman, he always opened the car door for his wife. He enjoyed visiting with people, enjoyed being a pastor, and loved being a bus driver. Jim loved telling stories, and loved eating dessert. He will be remembered as honest, kind, generous and selfless, and as a true follower of Jesus Christ. At the very end he made sure to tell his kids and wife how much he loved them. Some of his last words was singing perfectly the song Jesus Loves Me. He lived a life of service to others and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A graveside service will be held on September 14th, 2023 at 2pm at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Dr. in Ferndale, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Heverling
2 Entries
Yvonne Lindquist
September 23, 2023
I also drove for the City of Bellingham and then The WTA for decades with Jim and Jeff Fox. Jim was always polite and kind. What I do remember most of Jim was his thriftiness. He taught his children to be thrifty and Jeannie stayed home and was an amazing mom and baker of bread. Jim washed out his plastic baggies to take them home for a new sandwich in the morning....I´m so sorry to read this today. By any chance is Daniel working for the City of Blaine?
Jeff Fox
September 10, 2023
Jim and I were both transit bus operators and we worked together for over 30 years from the private bus company years to City ownership and then to County-wide (WTA). He was always a pleasure to be around, and such a nice person. My thoughts go out to his wife Jeannie and his family. There are not many of us left that drove transit in Bellingham in the 1960's. I will always remember Jim. Jeff Fox.
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Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory – Greenacres5700 Northwest Dr, Ferndale, WA 98248
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