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11 tree(s) planted in memory of James Heavens
The Clarks, Kortes, and Wiesners
and 10 others have purchased flowers for the family of James Heavens. Send Flowers
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The Siebrechts- Jared, Cassie, Keaton & Kolter planted 5 trees in memory of James Heavens
Sunday, January 7, 2024
5 trees were planted in memory of
James A. Heavens
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Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Douglas E. Pamp lit a candle
Thursday, April 25, 2024
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I just found out about Jim’s passing and suspect no one will see my comments. Regardless, Jim and I were ruminant nutritionists at Hubbard and I kept in touch with Jim for several years after we both left Hubbard. I really appreciated and respected Jim’s ideas and comments. He was not afraid to state his opinions, even when unpopular, and usually he was right. Sorry to say, I lost contact with him but every once in awhile someone from the past would tell me about what Jim was up to. Rest in peace.
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Kenneth Campbell posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Larry I are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy and always a smile and funny story. He will be missed.
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Judy Bregar posted a condolence
Friday, January 26, 2024
My Deepest sympathy to the Heavens Family. James or Jimmy as we called him and his Mother were dear friends of my Mother and Father, Loretta and Nofe Tognazzi when they lived in Spring Valley, IL. I also played with Jimmy, as I was a couple of years older. They just lived one block. When Ester needed help with the house, my Dad was there to help. We were sorry when they moved to Mankato.
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Dawn Schechtman posted a condolence
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Heavens family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. I was shocked to see the news. I have many fond memories of your family and know how much Jim loved and adored all of you. Jim gave so much to others and his death is a huge loss for Dyersville, St. Francis Xavier, and all who knew him. I will be praying for all of you. May God comfort you and bring you peace.
Dawn Schechtman
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The Clarks, Kortes, and Wiesners purchased flowers
Friday, January 5, 2024
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The Clarks, Kortes, and Wiesners
purchased the With Distinction for the family of James Heavens.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.With heartfelt condolences,
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Friday, January 5, 2024
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Wishing we could be there to say goodbye to a great man Will cherish the stories and conversations. Sending our love and support to the heavens family
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Alan Born posted a condolence
Friday, January 5, 2024
Total shock!
I was just with Jim 2 weeks ago.
We had a lovely dinner together at the Log Cabin.
Great friend since 1965.
He was my Best Man.
Boy, we sure drank a lot of beer together over the years.
He was such a great, personable guy - he could converse easily with anyone.
And always ready to talk about politics!
He touched a lot of lives.
Jim with be sorely missed.
But, I’ll always have a lot of great memories to remember him by.
My sympathies to Cathy and the boys - may his memories and shared experiences carry you in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Jim.
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The Allamakee County Attorney's Office planted a tree in memory of James Heavens
Thursday, January 4, 2024
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With deepest sympathies, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Alan & Mary Kay Curtis posted a condolence
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Dear Cathy,
Al sent a message about Jim...I am sitting here crying as I write this message. I am so sorry. It was a shock hearing of Jim. Remember being neighbors and all the good times! You's were the best! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts as we are retired and live in Fla now so we won't be able to see you's in person.
Sending a big hug remember all the good times you had with Jim! He is watching over you now.
Love to you all! Sending hugs and prayers.
Alan & Mary Kay Curtis
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Miriam Eick posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Dear Cathy, Alan, John, Patrick and Extended family
I am extending sincere sympathy to each one of you who mourns the sudden and unexpected death of Jim Heavens. Because Jim was taken from our midst so unexpectedly, we question, why? How come? We find ourselves in a state of shock and disbelief until we take a moment to reflect upon Jim's trust in Almighty God. He never waivered from his Catholic heritage and he would want all of us to follow in the Lord's footsteps just as he did during his lifetime on earth.
Jim, since you will no longer be in the Uber seat to bring me home from church, I will feel lost for a while. However, I know your lovely wife, Cathy will say, " Need a ride, Miriam? Hop on in as I am going your direction."
When we reflect on the legacy Jim Heavens leaves behind, we realize his visions made him a pillar and cornerstone for the successes of this community; therefore, he will be missed by everyone who had the great privilege of knowing him. THANK YOU, JIM HEAVENS FOR ALL YOU DID NOT ONLY FOR DYERSVILLE, BUT FOR MANKIND!
I bid you a fond farewell Jim as you journey to the highest heavens and may you rest in peace. Amen
Sincerely meant
Miriam Eick
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The Williams purchased flowers
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
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The Williams
purchased the White Florist's Choice and planted a memorial tree for the family of James Heavens.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Heavens family. Jim had a larger than life personality and I know it will be a huge loss to his loved ones
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The Williams planted a tree in memory of James Heavens
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Heavens family. Jim had a larger than life personality and I know it will be a huge loss to his loved ones Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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Anonymous
purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet and planted a memorial tree for the family of James Heavens.
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With deepest sympathy, Jonah and Rachel (Rebnord) Miller. Mary and Tony Rebnord
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of James Heavens
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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With deepest sympathy, Jonah and Rachel (Rebnord) Miller. Mary and Tony Rebnord Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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Anonymous
purchased the Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant and planted a memorial tree for the family of James Heavens.
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With Sympathy, Dave Farnum, True North Technologies
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of James Heavens
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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With Sympathy, Dave Farnum, True North Technologies Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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With deepest sympathy.
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Mark Lyons and Your friends at Alltech purchased flowers
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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Mark Lyons and Your friends at Alltech
purchased the White Florist's Choice for the family of James Heavens.
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Our sincere condolences,
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Matt Giese posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
I was very saddened to hear about Jim's death. I got to know Jim when I was chairman of the Dubuque GOP. I will keep the entire family in my prayers. - Matt
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Tyler & Ashley; Stephanie & Jake purchased flowers
Monday, January 1, 2024
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Tyler & Ashley; Stephanie & Jake
purchased the Heavenly Light for the family of James Heavens.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Liz Keenan & Joe Sheerin purchased flowers
Monday, January 1, 2024
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Liz Keenan & Joe Sheerin
purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet for the family of James Heavens.
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With love and fond memories of family gatherings
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Heavens Family uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Heavens Family uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Heavens Family uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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With love from, Dick Beerling and Linda Danielson, Kevin Keenan and Nancy Keenan, Tom Beerling, John Beerling and Mary Beerling
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Gregory Born posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Tribute for a Friend
I first met Jim as a freshman in high school. He had gone to the Assumption Catholic grade school in Coal City, while many of my other friends and I had attended the public grade school. There was only one high school in town, so that is what brought us together.
Coal City was a small town of 1900 people at that time, and the high school was similarly small with a student population of about 350. Our graduating class was only 63 kids. We met in band practice. Jim was playing the trumpet, while my cousin, Al, and I were playing the trombone. It wasn’t until our junior year; however, that Jim and I became really good friends.
Every year, the junior and senior classes would put on a school play. The play chosen for our junior year production was, “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Like several of my other friends, I wanted to participate in the play, but I didn’t want to memorize a lot of lines. There was a role for one of the twelve kids to recite a couple lines in German, and since I was one of only six kids in our class that had taken Howie Misner’s German class, I got the role. Jim, on the other hand, tried out for and won the lead role of Tom Baker, the hapless father. I was really impressed with the discipline it must have taken to memorize all those lines. Jim also had the lead role in our senior class play, but my memory of that one is a little fuzzier.
By junior year, we both had our drivers’ licenses, so after play practice, we would cruise up and down the main drag of Broadway and Division in town. At that time, there were no stop lights in town, only a four-way stop at the corner of Broadway and Division. We would honk at our other classmates as we passed or stop at the Diary Queen in the Diamond for some ice cream.
It was also about that time that we started sneaking away to have a few "brewskis." We would have an older friend buy a case of beer for us, which we would then stash in the weeds by the side of a gravel road behind the Coal City Area Club. Being idiot teenagers, we never thought to bring a cooler of ice, so we typically drank the beer warm. Our excuse for getting away was to tell our parents that we were “going bowling.” After a while; however, Jim’s mother, Esther, started getting suspicious, and would sometimes test him, “How many lanes are there in the Wilmington bowling alley?” We had no clue.
One of my more memorable experiences was the Saturday night Jim drove us into a ditch in Carbon Hill after some serious drinking. The details of how we ended up in the ditch are still “classified,” but suffice it to say that it was a deep ditch, and Esther’s Ford Fairlane, was resting at a 45 deg angle on its side. There was no way we were getting out without a tow, so Jim decided to walk back to the nearest house and call a tow truck. I decided to stay with the car, and laid down across the front seat with my feet against the passenger door. Some time later, I was awakened by a flashlight in my face. The local policeman had seen the car while driving by and stopped to investigate. He asked if I was alright and helped me out of the car. I explained the situation, and fortunately, was not given a sobriety test. A short while later, Jim showed up with a tow truck which pulled us out. Fortunately, there was no damage to the car, but Jim later told me that the next morning while he was driving his mother to church, she noticed the footprints on the side door panel! I don’t remember how he explained that one away.
After high school graduation, Jim stayed in town to attend Joliet Junior College, while I moved away to attend Southern Illinois University, so we only got together at holidays when I was home and during summer vacations. We both had summer jobs—Jim was working as a brakeman for the EJ&E railroad company—but we frequently had time to get together. Our friendship continued through graduate school. Jim graduated with a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois, while my Ph.D. was in Chemistry from the University of Florida. I used to tease Jim that any discipline that had “science” in its name, like: Social Science, Political Science, and Animal Science, weren’t really science. The “true” sciences were: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc.
During grad school, I used to fly home every year to be with my family at Christmas, and I remember one year, after Jim had graduated and was working in Mankato, MN, he suggested that I fly up to meet him and go skiing before driving back to Coal City. At that time, I really didn’t have any warm winter clothes, after all temperatures in Florida were still in the 70s, but Jim said he had a coat I could borrow.
I landed in Minneapolis in the middle of a winter blizzard. Jim had offered to pick me up, but because of the storm, he was over an hour late arriving at the airport. He had forgotten to bring a coat for me, and also forgot where he parked his car. We walked up and down several aisles in a blinding snowstorm before we found his car.
Jim was living in an old, two-story farmhouse in Mankato, and it was cold inside and outside. Jim went to work the next day and left me at the house. I spent most of the day chasing and trying to catch a mouse that was also living there. I finally did trap it under a box, and several hours later, when Jim got home, the mouse had died of exposure from the cold. The next day, we went skiing on Mount Kato (a small hill really), and that was my very first skiing experience.
After graduate school, our visits became less frequent. I was a groomsman at his wedding and he at mine. We did correspond every birthday and Christmas, and he would update me on the family and his political career as mayor of Dyersville. The last time I saw him was at our 50th high school reunion in 2019, and it was like time had never passed.
Rest in peace, my old friend, you are truly missed.
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of James Heavens
Saturday, December 30, 2023
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The Parks and Olstad Families purchased flowers
Saturday, December 30, 2023
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The Parks and Olstad Families
purchased the White Florist's Choice for the family of James Heavens.
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Our hearts ache for the loss of Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers
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John Klauer posted a condolence
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Jim was a good friend to me over the years as a member of the Dubuque County Republican Central Committee! We served a couple times on the Platform Committee and here again, he was invaluable and I often told him how much I wished he had been mayor when I was on the Dubuque City Council!! His response, I think, was a classic: "Dubuque(?) you mean that oversized suburb of Dyersville??! That's where God sends all the democrats until they atone for all their sins!!"
To Cathy and all his children, grandchildren, family and friends, my sincere sympathy on your loss!! May God bring you comfort in the knowledge that Jim is up there preparing the way for all of us!!! John Klauer
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The family of James A. Heavens uploaded a photo
Saturday, December 30, 2023
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Maxi Bebber lit a candle
Saturday, December 30, 2023
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All of you have my deepest sympathy. Jim was a wonderful man and always made me laugh and smile.
I was blessed to meet Cathy and him, through their son, Al.
May the fun and wonderful memories take over soon.
God bless Jim and God bless all of you.
A Memorial Tree was planted for James Heavens
Friday, December 29, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Dyersville Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Who We Are:
For five generations Kramer Funeral Home has had the privilege of serving Dyersville, Monticello, Holy Cross and the surrounding area with dedication and compassion. With more than 135 years of experience, we can use our extensive knowledge of the field of funeral service to provide quality support and guidance.
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Kramer Funeral Home Dyersville
750 12th Ave SW.
Dyersville, IA 52040
(563) 875-7121 FAX (563) 875-7019
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(319) 465-5400
700 Oak Street
Monticello, IA 52310
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(563) 870-2206
5754 Maple Rd.
Holy Cross, IA 52052
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