James Elmer Heider

1936 - 2018

James Elmer Heider

On January 12, 2018, James Elmer Heider, 81, of Bowling Green, Ohio was called home to be with our Lord. Jim was born on January 28, 1936 to Elmer and Kathryn (Chisholm) Heider at their home at Willard & Kelsey in East Toledo. Jim was the second oldest of six siblings. His parents raised him to be a man of character, with a strong work ethic and a love for family. With a mechanic for a father, Jim learned much about tinkering with cars and how to fix things.

Growing up, Jim loved sports and became a standout athlete in football, basketball and track for his alma mater, Waite High School. Jim was named First Team All-City in football and All-State linebacker. He set scoring records in basketball and for the shotput and discus. For his athletic prowess, Jim was inducted into the Waite Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the first class in 1972 and into the Toledo City League Hall of Fame in 1992.

He was a National Honor Society member, earning an academic scholarship to study at Toledo University where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was hired by Owens Illinois and was first to be offered a Fellowship to study plastics engineering at Princeton University. Jim excelled in his studies, completing his Master's Degree in nine months. At O-I, Jim helped to pioneer the development of plastic bottles for beverages and detergents earning numerous patents. He retired from O-I as Technical Director after 27 years.

After O-I, Jim worked at Glasstech, Inc as VP of Development and Engineering. He helped develop innovative processes for manufacturing glass for automobiles and buildings and operated his own plastics consulting business. Later, he worked for Solar Cells and Willard & Kelsey Solar Groups. In all, he earned over 150 patents worldwide. In 1995, he was inducted as a Distinguished Waite Alumni.

Jim married the love of his life, Ruth Matthews, on June 21, 1958. They had five children, Matthew (Cynthia), Kristina (Raimund) Guensche, Mark (Shelly), Stephanie (Mark) Lauwers and Laura (Keith) Slembarski; and bonus son, James (Julie) Calhoun. They lived in the Crossgates area of South Toledo, later relocating to their dream Victorian-era home in Bowling Green.

Jim was blessed with many grandchildren, Kathryn, Rebecca, James, Jonathan, Sarah, Rachel, Amy, Benjamin, Anna, Erin, Elisabeth, Samuel, Michael, Emilia, Leah, Spencer, Joshua, Andrew, Matthew, Lukas, Caleb, Johanna, Carrie, Abigail, and Martha; and great-grandchildren, Keegan, William, Jonah, Raiden, Kellen and Hayley. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; siblings, Joyce Schafer, Carol (John) Wilson, Robert and Ronald (Peggy); and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Dunlap and Patricia Heider. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack; and his beloved son, Matthew.

Jim was the consummate family man. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family and he was the picture of generosity. He loved spending time with family, traveling, reading, political discourse, watching Judge Judy, tinkering with cars and spending time with life-long friend, Victor Kissoff. He also had a fondness for his dogs. He and Ruth were proud to be founding members of Abiding Word Lutheran Church. Jim will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 19, 2018, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. His funeral service will be Saturday January 20, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Abiding Word Lutheran Church, 17202 Mercer Rd., Bowling Green. Interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday morning at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Abiding Word Lutheran Church.

To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Heider family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7



View the online memorial for James Elmer Heider