 Our last visit happened at the hospital and was very typical of our friendship. My heart was heavy and I had only experienced this feeling of anxiety on a few occasions before. I had been around Jim before during previous bouts of cancer, and with him in the hospital, but this day just felt different. It felt like an awkward first date where I didn’t want to say something that was out of place.  Then Jim in his weakened and tired state took a deep breath and I will never forget his words. Let us all remember Jim is an  intelligent, articulate and funny man who always chooses his words wisely. He said, "I probably have a couple more days left". Talk about a classic Jim icebreaker! I think he sensed my anxiety and in his cynical yet comical way he put my heart at ease. We proceeded to talk about life as usual and of course talk about Ohio State. The man was an absolute OSU fanatic. He named his dog Buckeye and his house looked like someone threw up Ohio State University in it. And if that were not enough, he wore an Ohio State jersey for his casket viewing. I was always rooting for the team they were playing against, just so I could take a jab at Jim. We got to talk about our love of the Lord and Jim’s love for his wife and family. For this visit, God in his grace and compassion gave us both an extra measure of strength needed for this exact moment.  As we talked and shared my anxiety had left me and that peace that is spoken of that surpasses all understanding, was present in that room. I realized just how dear Jim and our friendship was to me and God had given us our final moments to say goodbye. I knew it was a good chance this would be our last earthly meeting. We discussed many times before how we will see each other again for this is not our final home, heaven is. You just beat me there good friend. And I know Jesus welcomed you saying, “Well done good and faithful servant. Well done”.
Love you always Jim


As our kids grew older and became more and more active with the sports, school and other activities, we would sometimes not be able to catch up for a couple weeks, and even though the time gaps of not seeing each other would happen, when we would reconnect it was as though no time had passed. I always looked forward to the call or text of “Hey, Man! Guys’ night. You ready?” a question that I will truly miss for the rest of my life. Along with his genuine character, Jim was also incredibly fun to be around. With his quick wit and deeply sarcastic sense of humor, he could always get a room laughing, something I will miss most about him.
There are so many stories to be shared on another day.
We often joked about how our lives were paralleled in many ways. 
My friend and I had an uncanny ability to dress alike on date nights, guys’ nights out, and family events. This twinning, “my daughter’s term- not mine,” did not happen just a handle full of times, it took place multiple times per year over the past fifteen years… 
It literally got to the point where I would purposely pick a shirt color that was not my go-to (thinking there’s no way Jim could be wearing this shirt), only to hear the standard “Are you kidding me?! I have to go change, hold on” as he opened the door.
Reminiscing recently with my daughters while looking at family photos they even commented “Did you ever notice that Dad and Mr. Jim are always wearing the same shirt?”
I would like to close with a saying that was shared with me as a young sailor in the Navy while facing the death of a close friend regarding grief and sadness. “While I deeply grieve the loss of my friend, I take comfort in the knowledge that my grief will lessen over time. And instead of choosing to be sad that my time with my best friend is over, I instead choose to be happy that the time happened in the first place.”

Rest in Peace my fiend.

So ignoring the internet…
During the past fifteen and half years of being close to Jim, I got something from Jim that is far better than being a neighbor… I got a best friend. A friend with such character and integrity that no matter the situation I always knew that he would be there for me and unconditionally support me. 
Three years ago, during a challenging medical event in my life; Jim showed up at my hospital bed side straight from the airport after being away from his family for a week. It was never a question of “Can I come by?” it was “I am coming.” I know that this is something Jim would do for any of his close friends, that concern and care he had for his family and friends, always wanting to check-in on you to make sure you were alright.
Spending time with Jim you quickly learned that he was a man of great character and integrity. In our many talks you knew he cared deeply for Tami, his children, parents, extended family and friends. He was incredibly proud of the people his children have become, and I know that he will continue to be proud as he watches over them.  
Character at its heart is the ability to guide one’s inner self toward what is right and just. After reading the memorial postings on his memorial website, it became clear we all felt that Jim had nailed this definition.
He was always inclusive of people that were with him, ensuring that they were involved in the conversation and activities.
In my life I have always maintained a very small inner circle of friends. Jim was an easy fit into this circle of trust because of his character and integrity. Jim was my friend to be my friend, not because he needed something in business or community. 


Looking back at all the broken bones, stitches, and middle of the night dead battery rescues, we have always been there for each other. A couple of my personal favorite memories; Jim called me while I was out of town on business one night and said, “Don’t be mad, but Mari and Tami had me hang wallpaper and pictures in your hallway bathroom.”  Then there is the night the Jim had carpool duties for Wednesday night Kids religious studies. Our girls came bounding through the door all excited to share that “Mr. Jim listens to rap music and knows all of the words!” 


We had many good times over those 15 years in Desert Shadows.
About a year and a half ago, Mari and I decided that we were ready to downsize from our Desert Shadows home and move to the Mountain Bridge community home a whopping mile and a half up the road. A week later we shared the news during a date night dinner that Jim described as the most expensive dinner of his life. 
Jim shared that they had been having the same conversation about downsizing and had been looking in the same neighborhood. I believe it was two days later that they had purchased the lot three down from ours. We would be neighbors again, and for me I was excited to live out the next chapter of life with my best friend still nearby.
So that is the Heinl / Poledna back story. 
When Tami asked me if I would speak at today’s celebration of Jim, that was any easy decision. Of course, I would as I know he would stand up on my behalf if ever called. 
So, when you start a Google search on how to write a eulogy, you get a lot of suggestions and tips like pick their best trait and talk about that.
Now I am thinking great, a three-minute eulogy for Jim on something everyone knows… This was a great guy… something he proved to each of us on a regular basis. 


My Best Friend - Eulogy 
Hello, my name is Paul, and I am the neighbor… twice. I will explain this as I set the story of my friendship with Jim.
I met Jim and Tami in the spring of 2004 when my wife Mari and I had flown into Mesa to meet with the builder of our new home in the Desert Shadows community. Towards the end of the meeting, we were introduced to a couple who were also in the office; our new neighbors, Jim and Tami Heinl.
It was a very quick meeting, as Mari and I had to head off to the airport. Little did we know that that quick “Hello” was merely the beginning of an adventure we were about to embark on with our neighbors who we would one day consider to be family. 
We moved into our Desert Shadows house in October 2004, and the Heinls were moved into their new home just a couple months later, at which point the adventure was on.
As we began to know the Heinls we discovered this extensive network of family and friends, which happened to include my sister Pam’s family, who the Heinls had known from their gymnastics community.
Our families would get together for birthdays, holidays, special occasions and outings like trips to Schnepf Farms, as we would always have fun together. 
As our friendship developed the adventures continued, and we enjoyed watching our kids grow up together. As families, we created our own traditions and helped each other through crazy times. From having our youngest children play on the same soccer team with our wives as the coaches, to attending the same church and watching our kids go through bible school together, I will always cherish those memories our families shared.
Looking back at all the broken bones, stitches, and middle of the night dead battery rescues, we have always been there for each other. 

Jim was an amazing son to my parents, a protective brother to me, a true partner for Tami, and an exceptional father to their 4 children: Chris, Rachel, Joey, and Sarah.

For me, he was more than just my brother...he was my first friend.

Growing up with Jim in both Ohio and Arizona was classic Americana.  We were blessed with loving and strong parents.  We were surrounded by both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. After school every day, we played the sport of the season:  basketball, baseball, football.  There was always a crowd of neighborhood kids for any and every pick-up opportunity.   It was during this time that Jim helped me get my first job as the neighborhood paperboy.  I was 8 and he was 12.  I got the job just because he was who he was.  His name alone already was known for a solid work ethic and dependability.  At 12 he had already built the foundation for life-long credibility.  I couldn't just ride on his coat tails.  I had to live up to his standard.  
Around this time, my mom returned to Ohio State to pursue more education and it was then that our love for Ohio State football truly bloomed.  She would take us to games, sing fight songs, and otherwise expand the Buckeye spirit in our hearts.

A few years later, we moved to Arizona.  Jim was in high school.  Ironically to some extent, we tried to recreate our Ohio experience here.  Jim decided he wanted to go out for high school baseball and needed a sports physical to tryout.  It was that fateful visit that would forever change the trajectory of his life and our family's vision of the future.  And Tami was there, joining us in the journey.  Our family of 4 had expanded to 5...with some youthful resistance from me.  As time progressed with more complicated obstacles, whatever brotherly arguments we ever had faded away.  What a gift that was.  We never had a disagreement again.  I knew that was a blessing.  
Continue -



Dear Tami and Heinl Family,

 I was blessed in having the opportunity to know Jim through working together at GSK. And through the years, we have had so many memories and laughs which made work so much fun! One of my many favorite memories was when Jim and Tami came to No CA to stay with my family and I to see Rachel compete in a gymnastic competition/tournament. They were so proud of her and we enjoyed getting to know them away from work. We loved telling/hearing stories of our individual family's and going to see the Golden Gate Bridge that weekend, even though it was a cool and rainy day. They are such fun people to be around!  My son, Jackson, always called Jim, "the man, the myth, the legend" because he had always heard me talking to Jim in my home office and heard me referring to him so often at work that my entire family felt like Jim and Tami were part of our family.  I'm a better person for knowing Jim and incredibly blessed for having the opportunity to know Jim, Tami and the entire Heinl Family, Chris, Joey, Rachel (Billy) and Sarah! Jim is greatly missed - thank you for sharing him with his GSK family. 
Love and hugs, The Wade Family - Jim, Julie, Lauren and Jackson
P.S. I know that Jim is having the biggest laugh knowing that I couldn't insert the darn photo of the 4 of us and get it to be upright! I hope that he's having a great laugh from heaven! Another fun memory! :-)

I’ll always remember the lunch I shared with Tami and Jim at Mayo on Dec 4th.  I was at the hospital for my 3 month cancer check up and my CT scan ended just as Jim was ready to be brought to the cafeteria for lunch.  Although we only met for about 20 minutes, I’ll always remember this time.  And Jim wasn’t very happy with his sandwich, he didn’t complain though, just picked at it and had a funny look in his face!  

Jim E.  This picture shows the beginning of the next generation of Heinls.  You were our first baby, you made your mom and dad, parents, and their parents, grandparents, and all of us eager aunts and uncles!  We love you so very much, and so enjoyed watching you grow up and become an amazing man, husband and dad.  All the cousins looked up to you with so much love and admiration.  You have lead an amazing life, and left an unbelievable legacy with your beautiful family, Tami, Christopher, Rachel & Billy, Joey and Sarah.  We will love you always, Aunt Pattie & Uncle Carl, Josh & Jen, Zach & Cass, & Seth & Hannah.

I knew Jim pretty much my whole life.  He was always my cousin.  I remember when we first met him we went on a pontoon boat. I don’t remember anything else about that but i remember Jim and Tami and the boat.   Which reminds me of our houseboat family reunion.  One day we got out the water balloon launcher and launched leftover spaghetti at Jim and Tami’s boat to help them forget about the plumbing smell on their boat.  And I also remember when Jim and Tami threw each other in the pool on Keating. So many great family memories with my cousin. 

Dear Tami and Family-
Getting the chance to work with Jim is one of the highlights of my 30+ years at GSK. His passion and love for his family and his work was truly amazing.  He is such a light that I know will continue to shine through this Family and the people who were blessed by knowing and working with him. May God bless and keep you all. Love,  The De Marco Family 
Caroline, Jason, Carson & Noble 

Tami, Chris , Racheal, Billy ,Joey and Sarah 

  Jim was an amazing  one of a kind great husband father and friend .  We are so sorry for your loss we love you all to the moon and back .
 

Tami,

I'm so sorry for your loss.  The memories I hold onto are the times we shared when our girls were in gymnastics together and the amazing life you and Jim shared with us all - giving us hope for a future with God in heaven.  You, Jim, and your family have touched my life in a way I never thought could happen, and I believe you've touched the lives of countless other people.  Thank you.  May today be filled with sunshine and hope and love as you celebrate Jim's life.  I am so sorry I couldn't be there to share with you.  You are in my heart.

Heinl family,

Jim had a profound impact on my life and his extended GSK family. He was my boss for most of the past 7 years and he taught me so much about leadership, competitiveness and compassion.  It was though the daily interactions that I saw the joy, pride and love he had for his family and so many friends.  The courage and gratitude for life he demonstrated everyday is what I will miss the most and remember forever.

Craig Sexton

Jim was a beloved colleague by so many in the GSK.  His passion, teamwork and sense of humor will be missed but not forgotten.  Most importantly he was an inspiration to so many with the courage he displayed and the love he so clearly had for his wife and kids.  I wish the comfort and peace of the memories of Jim as the family navigates the coming days and months.

Sincerely,

Jack  

One week ago today I watched you take your last breathe,
I held your hand as you entered God’s arms with tear-filled eyes as you left. 
Each moment since then has been so hard with you not by my side, 
For the last 34 years you have been my person...the one to share every part of my life. 
My sweet Jimmy how I miss you but can you see how much you were loved, 
The outpouring of support and gratitude and with so many genuine hugs. 
You must be so proud of our children who each have a best part of you, 
their hearts are so precious and their love is so true.
We are getting ready to celebrate your incredible life, and the blessing you were to everyone you knew.
The legacy you are leaving behind is one that will live forever and in your family we with continue...
To live life in the moment, genuine, authentic, with gratitude and kindness...
we will embrace new adventures with arms open wide and love each other big! 
Although you will have a piece of my heart in heaven I know we will always have a piece of heaven in our hearts❤️
Thank you for being my best friend, soul mate and now my forever angel.  #MyForeverLove #HeinlStrong #KeeperOfMyHeart #MyForeverAngel #IMissYouSoMuch💔 #LegacyOfLove #OurHero 


Greetings & condolences to the entire Heinl Family.

I had the honor and privilege of working with Jim for a number of years.  Jim was a compassionate leader, a great friend and an even better person.  Of all the leaders that I've worked with Jim was one of the best.  I will always remember the Team Meetings, and our trips to Chicago, Peoria and Sioux Falls.

I am a better person for knowing Jim, and I will sincerely miss Jim.  

My thoughts and prayers are with the Heinl Family, and all those that have been blessed to know Jim.  I know I am blessed to have known Jim.




Tami and Family my heart goes out to you, in this time and the lost of Jim.  I know you will miss him greatly and I with many others will miss him also. I haven't kept in touch but I will always remember Jim and our times together. Rest in Peace Jim

"...Hey Buddy...." That's how I remember hearing Jim's voice along with the smile that shares his love for life every time he welcomed us. Our family is blessed to be able to do life with the Heinl family. Jim touched so many lives and was always an inspiration to live life to the fullest. I loved his sense of humor, and enjoyed spending time hanging out watching sports, movies, celebrating with friends and being part of their family. He was thoughtful, kind, positive, upbeat, and willing to help.The Heinl's are our Arizona family and our kids have enjoyed growing up together creating and enjoying memories, meals, game nights and friendships.Thank you Jim for being a father and mentor to our oldest son Devon as he attended Grand Canyon University. Thank you for sharing your family and values. Your spirit and kindness will always be remembered.

I had the privilege of working with Jim for many years at GSK, both as a peer and later as my manager.  Jim was an outstanding colleague, and though not outspoken, often seemed to me to be the smartest person in the room.  His high expectations for himself and others helped us to be better people and employees.  He was an incredible leader, coach and competitor.   He was positive, fair and funny.  His grace and strength in the face of adversity was an example for all.  He loved and was proud of his family.  My colleagues and I will remember Jim fondly and already miss him greatly.

Heinl Family - 
Jim touched so many people at GSK from Coast to Coast.  He offered great advice as a mentor, as a friend and someone that pushed you in so many positive ways.  I can't say I loved all things about Jim though, one of my favorite personal memories was attending a Wisconsin vs Ohio State game with him in Madison.  He proudly wore his Eddie George jersey before the game and after, celebrating the win for his team with a confident smile. His love of Ohio State on full display in enemy territory.   Prayers to the entire family! 

When you look up the word "Awesome" in the dictionary there should be a picture of Jim Heinl smiling back at you.  He never wasted a moment being the very best version of whatever his role was (like husband, father, son, brother, father-in-law, nephew, brother-in-law, relative, co-worker, friend, or whatever.)  Thank-you "Team Heinl" and especially his wife Tami ( his "Angel", best friend,  advocate, and one half of an incredible three and a half decade loving union), his parents, his children, and relatives for caring and loving so much for this great human being.  The World is a little better for having known James E. Heinl.  We shall all miss him dearly and every day.  Now, he'd probably want us to not grieve him too much, but to go out and celebrate his life and especially our own.  


Tami,
You were truly Blessed with a Beautiful Love story.
This will live in your heart forever to carry you through any sadness you may have,  Love & Prayers for you and your family. 
Bonnie

I knew Jim and Tami in High School.  He was an amazing guy then, and never changed. Jim gave such a fight, he ran the race with dignity, and now reaps the eternal reward.   My love and prayers go out to Tami and family. Jim will never be forgotten.  

Jim’s an amazing human being! 
A brother,  son, husband, Dad! 
I have had the pleasure of knowing the Heinl’s for most of my life. The embodiment of the phrase “don’t take life for granted. “
Was the motto by the minute. 
They packed about 4 life times, into 1. 

Jim is the most consistent Man I’ve ever known. Besides my Dad. 

I was blessed to to be there in his time of need!
Blessed to be of service!
Thanks for all the moments!


 

Jimmy has been my big brother for the past 34 years.. His persistence won my big sisters heart when she was 15years old and at the mere age of 13 I gained the best big brother a girl could ask for. Over the past 34 years I have seen Jimmy more than overcome everything thrown at him with grace and never complain about any of it. He has made every moment count with his family.  The love that our family shares is priceless and I cherish every memory I have with them. I truly do believe that the courage and strength that Jimmy had puts him at superhero status in my book!! We will all be forever #heinlstrong!! We love you Jimmy!! 

I met Jim when he was an analyst in the Scottsdale office. His analytical skills were genius. He worked tirelessly to help me understand my business. He was always upbeat and humorous. He reveled in teasing me for my love for the 49ers. Jim was one of the most respected and liked people at GSK. My condolences and prayers to Tami and the Heinl family. May you Rest In Peace. 

Jim was one of the nicest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He was always upbeat, fun to be around, and willing to assist with anything. His sense of humor was also a constant. Rest In Peace Jim....

Tami and I worked together in Southern California. It was 1991 and we had both just started with the company. We hit it off immediately and found that we
lived fairly close to each other. It wasn't long before before we introduced our husbands and the four of us became fast friends.  We spent many weekends together having cookouts, going to the movies, and just being together, having fun and laughing. We were right there while Tami was pregnant with Chris always ready with advice since we had two children of our own.  I feel so lucky to have known Jim.  His strength and courage were so evident even at that young age. Once Chris was born, it grew even more. Jim gave so much to everything he did. He was such a family man at an age that most men had no idea what that meant. He loved Tami and his family wholeheartedly and was one of the truest friends you could ever ask for.  I have so many wonderful memories of times we spent together. To the Heinl Family, I wish you peace during this time of transition. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful man in your lives. I will continue to send prayers and love your way.

I was fortunate enough to work with Jim at GSK. The first time we talked I left the
conversation thinking that he was one of the most positive people I had ever encountered in my life.

I was simply amazed at Jim’s work ethic and dedication to the organization. Even through his illness he fought to do his job.

My heart goes out to the Heinl family. Take comfort in knowing that Jim fought a courageous battle and can now be at peace.

May his spirit watch over you and protect all of you with love and strength!

Tami and family,
Even though I did not know Jim, he married a beautiful and spiritual person. I followed through Facebook, the ups and downs of his cancer.  I prayed diligently that the Lord heal him, however, he needed him in his heavenly kingdom.  You fought a good fight. Now the Lord will keep you strong in his kingdom.  The Heinl family is strong and you will treasure your husband and father his memories on earth. God bless the Heinl family.

We know "Jimmy" through his parents Diana and Tom.  We respect Jimmy for the person he was through their stories. The incredible love they share in their family  is something we truly admire. The stories they share make us feel like family too. 

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”
–Washington Irving

My Heinl family....I love you all so very much. Wish I could be with you now, but feel very blessed I was able to see you all last week. Sending much love and know I am always here for you!

I met Jim when I was a sophomore in Highschool. We had a couple of classes together and he always made me laugh when I was having a bad day. 

So sorry to hear about his passing. Heaven has gained another angel and he will be truly missed. Praying for you all to have peace strength and comfort in the days ahead. 

Love to you all and God Speed. He is with us always.
#Gone but not forgotten 

I worked with Jim over the last 9 years, and he lived the traits we should aspire to.  Jim was good, kind, thoughtful, considerate, joyful, even tempered, patient, supportive and real. The news of his passing was such sad news, and my heartfelt prayers go out to his family.  We were all blessed to know him, and this world lost a truly, truly beautiful soul, but heaven most surely gained an angel. 


In the 18 years I’ve worked with Jim, the last 3 allowed me to work closely with him. It’s been a true honor and I will be forever grateful. He was an inspiration, a leader and the kindest soul. I often tell my girls, what you see is what you get, and that was Jim. Authentic! He always talked about his family and through this journey you have been an inspiration to many, and guaranteed, impacted how people live each day. Thank you for allowing so many to follow your journey, I feel like I know you all, a beautiful family! Praying for peace and comfort as you navigate this journey ahead. Much love.

The most dedicated, engaged and the hardest working person I have ever met in my 30 years at GSK!  They broke the mold with Jim.  A great Leader, but a better person.  I had the pleasure a few years ago when my wife and I were in PHX to stop by Jim’s home after one of his surgeries and meet Tami, a few of the kids and their dog Buckeye.  As much as Jim shined at work, he shined even more as a family man.  I will cherish those hours Tami more than you’ll ever know.  I will miss my friend Jim.  Godspeed my brother Brent DePriest 

Jimmy, Big Jim, Jimbo...he was one I could always talk to in a down to earth manner. He tolerated my sense of humor and was always quick to compliment and elevate others around him. I truly admired his business savvy, willingness to jump in and contribute. It showed what his true character was like - honest, meek and self-disinterested. I’ll miss you, Jimmy!  I’m so glad your suffering is over!  Prayers to Tami and his children. God comfort you greatly in the blessed of hope of seeing Jim again when he comes up from the grave clitheed in immortality and in perfect health! 1Thessalonians 4.   Love, Kevin Finley

I met Jim during his first interview with Glaxo Inc.  After he went into Trux's office to interview, Dottie and I chuckled at what a "baby face" and how nervous he was.  
After some time in the Field he joined the Regional Office staff and was such fun to be around; always smiling, always fun, always friendly.  I remember when all the "guys" were on a softball team and Tami and the "girls" in the office would cheer them on.
I know he's smiling down and watching over his beautiful family.

I worked with  Jim when he lived in NC and was blessed  to be his colleague. Jim was a fun loving guy who loved his family.  He was a great human being and will be missed.  

Jim was not only a co-worker and friend, he was a fellow Buckeye.  We would always catch ourselves talking more football than business.   He will be missed.  Rest in peace Jim.

GO BUCKS !

I worked with Jim at GSK. He was one of the kindest people I knew there and extremely knowledgeable. Although I never met him face to face, I enjoyed working with him through our teleconferences and 1:1 calls. Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends. He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

James Edward Heinl

July 20, 1968 – January 22, 2020

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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