Jess Heim

Jess Roy Heim, 85, of Hutchinson, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born May 30, 1940, to Clara Mae (Featherhoff) and William Walter Heim Sr. at Grace Hospital, Hutchinson.

At age 4, the family moved to rural area and began farming using horses. Jess attended Willow Grove Grade School, graduated from Buhler High School in 1959, and Hutchinson Community College. He worked various jobs with friend Jake Base during the summer. At age 15, they were working construction. His father was disabled in 1950 and he had to help financially. In high school, Jess played football as a guard and linebacker and was also involved in FFA.

After graduation, he worked at Western Foods, Laramie Mills, and in 1961, he began working at Cessna. In 1962, Jess was drafted into the Army and served 2 years - 13 months in Korea and the remaining time in Fort Lee, Virginia. Jess was very proud to have served his country. He wore his Army Veteran hat quite often. Jess returned to Hutchinson and Cessna Hydraulics and retired in 2002 from Eaton Hydraulics (Cessna) after 41 years. He developed a love for golf that continued for many years. Being a people person, Jess became bored with retirement and worked delivering flowers for Dillon Stores for 13 years. He enjoyed his co-workers as family and meeting the customers. Jess attended The Father's House church in Hutchinson.

Jess married the love of his life, Sheryl Barkman, in 1966. They shared over 59 years of marriage and have a son, Bret. He was very involved in coaching Bret and his teammates in baseball, football, basketball, and soccer for 7 years, enjoying every moment of it. Jess took pride in having a beautiful lawn as well as a productive garden. He also enjoyed decorating for Christmas - his Christmas lights lit the neighborhood. Jess enjoyed watching westerns, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs with a Pepsi-Cola and a bowl of popcorn with extra butter.

Jess was blessed with 4 granddaughters: Elizabeth "Ellie", Allison, Mallory, and Sophia. He never missed an important event involving them. Jess was very proud of each one for their many achievements and always had a picture of them to share when conversing with others. They were the bright spot in his life.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; granddaughter, Elizabeth; sister, Alberta Bishop; brothers, Edward, Walter (Zella), and William "Bill" (Doris).

Jess is survived by: his wife, Sheryl; son, Bret (Angelea); granddaughters, Allison, Mallory, Sophia; brother-in-law, Rick Barkman (Irene); Chad Henson (Christina) and numerous other nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it will be active beginning at 10:15 a.m. the day of the service. Click here to view the service

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to The Father's House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.