James Alfred Heist

Jim was born in the quaint farming community of Sterling, Colorado May 13, 1947. He was the first of six children born to Stanley and Lillian Heist and was adored by his siblings. This is where he inherited his steadfast devotion and love for family. Following high school, with his intelligent mind geared toward the intricacies of engineering, he left home to attend the Colorado School of Mines where he graduated in 1969 as a Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineer. Later, his career evolved to civil engineering and sales which took him all over the world.

In 1972 he married his beloved Sue and their wonderful journey together took them from Missouri to Arizona, to Northern California, and then Massachusetts to North Carolina where they made their final home together in Cary. His proudest days were undoubtedly those when they brought home their children. Megan blessed their home in 1984 and Chris in 1987. Fatherhood suited Jim very well and eventually Grandfather-hood brought yet another level of joy to his life. Dogs held a special place in his heart and were always part of the family, receiving their fair share of his attention and compassionate care.

Jim had a gift for being an attentive and doting family man all the while being fervent about the work he did in order to provide anything and everything he could for them. He liked to explain his work and share stories and pictures of the faraway places his business took him. Still, nothing compared to how he cherished time spent with loved ones. Among a variety of activities, Jim enjoyed experimenting with new recipes and opening bottles of wine to accompany them; yelling from the stands at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, taking advantage of every opportunity to go fishing with his son and being in the company of his beautiful wife.

Jim was predeceased by his Father, Stanley Heist; Mother, Lillian (James) Heist; and sister, Betty (Heist) Barks. He is survived by his wife Susan (Mers) Heist; Daughter, Megan Heist; Granddaughters, Brianna & Chloe; Son, Christopher Heist; Brother, Bill (Karen) Heist; Brother, John (Carrie) Heist, Sister Barbara Korbe-Bernhardt; Sister, Jane (Allan Willey) Heist; Brother In Law, Richard (Betty) Barks; 10 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews.

A Funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 1st, 2016, at 11:00 am, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior.