James A. "Jimbo" Heck, age 91, passed away at his home in Mendon, on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Born January 26, 1933, in Norwalk, he was the son of the late Adolph & Cornelia (Crocker) Heck. Jim and Martha P. Dunno were married on October 8, 1955, and she preceded him in death October 27, 2006.

Surviving are their children: Andy (Nickie) Heck of Mendon, Mike (Samantha) Heck of Mendon, Rebecca Heck Getzendiner (Ron Fink) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Jessica (Mike) Heck-Stelzer of Mendon, 12 grandchildren: Teya, Kara, Anthony, Pat, Brooklyn, Tara (Adam), Adam (Ryane), Tori, Penny, David, Matthew, and Arthur; 8 great-grandchildren: Sophia, Charolette, Andrew, Alyzah, Ryder, Nirvon, Asher, and Maya; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

The Heck family would like to convey a special "Thank You" to Heather Rammel, who started as a caregiver for Jim, and is now considered as family.

Preceding Jim in death was a grandson, Garry Heck, granddaughter, Lois Getzendiner, and his sister, JoAnn Crone.

Jim was a graduate of Grover Hill High School, and recently attended his 74th High School reunion. After going to Giffin College in Van Wert for a short time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 21. Jim served with an Engineering Unit in Korea, where they built barracks and swept for mines.

Jim worked at Borden's in Van Wert and had done road construction for ODOT. He retired after 41 years of service with National Seal/Federal Mogul in Van Wert.

He was the oldest member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Rockford, a member of Van Wert VFW Post #5803, and was involved with the Grand Lake Motorcycle Club (GLMC), near Mendon.

Jimbo was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and feeding the neighborhood animals. Jim had a "need for speed", driving fast cars and riding motorcycles, even riding his motorcycle to work in the winter.

Jim loved bowling, playing pool, and meeting with the men's "Coffee Klatch" in Mendon. He enjoyed chewing "Red Man" Tobacco, and was an Indianapolis Colts fan. Jim was also very dedicated to attending his family's sporting events.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 30, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Rockford, with Fr. Rob Muhlenkamp, presiding.

Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery.

Calling Hours are being held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, and also at the Funeral Home on Monday morning, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to CHP Home Care & Hospice.

Condolences can be expressed to the Heck family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.