James H. Heierman
April 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
SYRACUSE – James H. Heierman, 92, of Winona Lake, passed away on April 27, 2025, at Grace Village Healthcare.
He was born on Oct. 8, 1932, in South Bend, to Albert and Elizabeth Hittig Heierman. James grew up in Leesburg, and graduated from Valpo. He married Darlene J. Miller on Aug. 15, 1954, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Mishawaka.
He was drafted into the Army shortly after their first child, James W. Heierman, was born. During this time, the family lived in San Antonio, Texas. After returning home, they lived in South Bend, where James was an elementary school teacher. But the family business his father started (Peoples State Bank) soon drew James to relocate, and he brought the family (now with three children) to Leesburg where he worked as a banker until his retirement. The couple had a total of five children.
After retiring, James and Darlene were able to enjoy traveling, having the opportunity to visit every national park in the United States along with traveling to many different countries. He enjoyed photography and has an impressive collection picturing beautiful scenery in nature of every kind. The couple resided in Leesburg for 63 years before moving to Grace Village in Winona Lake. They were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, and current members of Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Darlene Heierman; their five children: James W. (Bev) Heierman, Susan (husband Gregory deceased) Harman, Sherry (Rev. David) Shadday, David (Tammy) Heierman and Carol (Timothy) Hamann; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
When asked what their secret was for a long happy marriage, the response was, “Hold hands often, pray together, forgive each other, and trust in Jesus Christ our Savior. He’s the ‘glue’ that holds everything together.”
Services will be held on Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church in Syracuse. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at the Leesburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in loving memory of James may be made to Magical Meadows, or to Legacy of Blessings. Eastlund Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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SYRACUSE – James H. Heierman, 92, of Winona Lake, passed away on April 27, 2025, at Grace Village Healthcare.
He was born on Oct. 8, 1932, in South Bend, to Albert and Elizabeth Hittig Heierman. James grew up in Leesburg, and graduated from Valpo. He married Darlene J. Miller on Aug. 15, 1954, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Mishawaka.
He was drafted into the Army shortly after their first child, James W. Heierman, was born. During this time, the family lived in San Antonio, Texas. After returning home, they lived in South Bend, where James was an elementary school teacher. But the family business his father started (Peoples State Bank) soon drew James to relocate, and he brought the family (now with three children) to Leesburg where he worked as a banker until his retirement. The couple had a total of five children.
After retiring, James and Darlene were able to enjoy traveling, having the opportunity to visit every national park in the United States along with traveling to many different countries. He enjoyed photography and has an impressive collection picturing beautiful scenery in nature of every kind. The couple resided in Leesburg for 63 years before moving to Grace Village in Winona Lake. They were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, and current members of Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Darlene Heierman; their five children: James W. (Bev) Heierman, Susan (husband Gregory deceased) Harman, Sherry (Rev. David) Shadday, David (Tammy) Heierman and Carol (Timothy) Hamann; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
When asked what their secret was for a long happy marriage, the response was, “Hold hands often, pray together, forgive each other, and trust in Jesus Christ our Savior. He’s the ‘glue’ that holds everything together.”
Services will be held on Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church in Syracuse. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at the Leesburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in loving memory of James may be made to Magical Meadows, or to Legacy of Blessings. Eastlund Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.