By HDN staff
JAMES W. HECKMAN
James W. Heckman, Sr., 67, of Polson, died at his home on July 10, 1999, from natural causes.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1-8 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. Cremation will follow the services.
He was born on May 9, 1932, in Oak Harbor, Wash., to Walter and Gertrude Heckman. He attended schools in Oak Harbor. He moved to Montana as a teen and worked with his uncles on a ranch in eastern Montana near Miles City.
He married Anita Carter and they had five children and later divorced.
He married Nellie Tiffany on July 16, 1976, in Bigfork.
He worked many occupations, including ranching, trucking, logging and packing. He was a talented machinist and worked for Cummings Diesels, which allowed him to travel all over the world. He spent the last years as a machinist and mechanical foreman for Burlington Northern Railroad. He retired five years ago due to ill health, but continued to stay active and involved. He and Nellie moved to Polson in January to be near family.
He had a strong faith reflected in his respect for nature and his love of all Gods creation. He was a friend to animals, but particularly his team of draft horses which he used for farming and logging. He gave wagon rides. His family was very important to him and his love never wavered. He was kind and caring with a crusty cover. He quietly accomplished many things and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie, and four children; James Heckman of Anchorage, Alaska, Ronald Heckman of Randolph AFB, Texas, Ronda Gaylene Christensen of Colorado Springs, Colo., and David Heckman of Snohomish, Wash.; stepchildren, Kevin Johnson of Raymond, Neb., and Paula Johnson of Lincoln, Neb.; several grandchildren and two brothers, David Heckman of Snohomish, Wash., and John Heckman of El Cajon, Calif., and other relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson.
