James Neil Heins M.D.

Heins, James Neil, MD

Known affectionately as Doctor Jim, James Neil Heins, MD passed away peacefully with the love of his life, Joan, and their family by his side on March 15, 2024. Jim was born on January 27, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio. Raised by his mother Dorothy and his stepfather Bing Sheldon, Jim and brothers Tony and Paul grew up in a family where education, music and hard work were valued. Upon graduating high school, he received a basketball scholarship to the University of Louisville. His team won the 1956 NIT Championship. In his senior year, Jim met Joan McDonogh on a blind date. This began a partnership of love, trust and mutual respect that lasted 67 years.

Jim excelled academically and earned a full scholarship to the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Upon graduation he continued his training at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, eventually becoming Chief Resident in Medicine. He completed his military service as a Yellow Beret at the NIH working on DNA research under Nobel Prize laureate Christian B. Anfinsen. Jim and family returned to St. Louis, where he built a 40-year medical career combining teaching and private practice. He loved teaching, as Professor of Clinical Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine he mentored generations of residents and fellows and he cared deeply about the patients in his practice at the St. Louis Medical Clinic, Missouri Baptist Hospital and elsewhere.

While Jim valued his professional endeavors, his unwavering dedication to family eclipsed all else. He considered his marriage to Joan his touchstone and believed that his children were his greatest achievements. He instilled in them an active love of learning, the outdoors, and music.

Jim is survived by Joan; daughters Ann Schmitt of St. Louis and Kathleen Heins (Peter Watson) of New York City; son James William Heins (Amanda Crowe) of Darien, CT; brother Tony Heins; grandchildren Tom Schmitt (Lauren); Ted Schmitt MD (Lauren Boyer) and James, Samantha, Caitlyn and Vivian Heins; great-grandson Jonah Schmitt; brother and sister-in-law Paul and Rose McDonogh; niece Linda (Pete) Hill; and extended family. His brother Paul Sheldon predeceased him.

Jim will live on in the collective memory of family, friends, patients and neighbors for 3 things above all: his love of family; his repertoire of Dad jokes, which were told with great élan and great frequency; and his dedication to learning. A teacher to the end, Jim donated his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine and his remains will be interred at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, St Louis. Read the full tribute at boppchapel.com.

Services: A Memorial Mass will be held May 25, 2024 at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church, 1575 N Woodlawn, 63122 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the gym. A Celebration of Life will be held in Louisville, KY at a later date. Donations may be made in memory of James N Heins, MD to The Washington University School of Medicine Scholarships Fund via this online form or by mail to Medical Advancement, Washington University, MSC-1082-414-2555, 1 Brookings Drive, St Louis MO 63130.