Jim K. Heilmeier

1929 - 2019

Jim K. Heilmeier

Jim K. Heilmeier, 89, a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his sons on February 8, 2019 and was reunited with the love of his life, Virginia.

He was born on May 25, 1929 to James H. Heilmeier and Catherine E. Heilmeier. He attended Central High School and Kent State University. Jim was stationed at Fort Breckenridge, Ky. in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict where he rose to the rank of Sergeant of the Mess.

He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia L. Ferrell, on July 12, 1952. After his discharge from the Army he returned home to Akron and went to work in the family business, Tasty Pure Food Co., started by his father in 1923. After returning to civilian life, Jim and Virginia had four sons.

His interests went far beyond his business. He was a lifelong member of the Akron YMCA, having worked in his youth as a life guard at Camp Y-Noah. He served his college fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, as a National Councilor and Foundation Trustee. He was inducted into Phi Kappa Tau's Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2010 he was awarded the fraternity's highest accolade, The Palm Award, for lifetime service. He was a charter member of the Goodyear Heights Lion's Club, which he served as club president in 1976.

After 41 wonderful years of marriage, Jim was widowed suddenly when Virginia passed away in 1993.

In 1996, through mutual friends, he was introduced to Janet (Godwin) Raschke. Jim and Janet were married on August 30th, 1997.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janet; his four sons, Kevin (Marti) Heilmeier, Daniel (Karen) Heilmeier, William (Lori) Heilmeier, Gregory (Theresa) Heilmeier; his sister, Catherine (Robert) Flower; sister-in-law, Tina Ferrell; and brother-in-law, Lewis Ferrell. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Rankin, and several brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation (www.phikappatau.org/give) or the Akron YMCA.

Calling hours are Tuesday (TODAY), February 12, 5 to 8 p.m. at Ciriello & Carr, 810 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, with the Phi Kappa Tau Memorial Service taking place at 7:45 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 2121 6th Street, Cuyahoga Falls, with calling hours one hour prior to the service.

Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park.