Obituary of James D. Heckman

JASPER: James D. “Jim” Heckman, 96, of preacher St. passed away peacefully at his home Thursday morning August 29, 2024 following a brief illness. On a cold snowy morning February 1928, (the 9th to be exact) James Durwood Heckman was born to Howard and Ruth (Grist) Heckman in the town of Jasper. His aunt Ola wrapped him in a warm blanket and gave him his name. Howard was busily doing chores as work had to be continued. James was the second son with two more to follow. As a youngster James skipped rocks on the creek waters and waded a spell too. He made willow whistles which he shared with school chum Lula Simpson as they walked together to District#7 Woodward. There were six students, three Drakes, his brother George, Lula and James, with Callie Huntington as their teacher. James started working early in his boyhood. Farm chores first, then started to work on the railroad, Ingersol Rand, U.S. Air Force, Corning Glass, skidding logs with his horses Jim and Mage, but the love of the family farm tugged at his heart until 1964 when he took over the farm as his father retired. James worked the farm until 1992 when he retired and moved to 3834 Preacher St. in Jasper. James served the U.S. Air Force for three years, three months and twenty days from 1949-52 during the Korean War. He was stationed at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas. On an evening ride with his buddies, stopping in Sequin, Texas, he met Barbara Argo, the one he married September 9, 1950. Together they had three sons, 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. James drove school bus for Jasper and Jasper-Troupsburg Central schools. He was an assessor for the town of Jasper for 11 years, as well as volunteering much of his time. He served on the United Church of Jasper church council and board of trustees for many years, as well as on the boards of the Steuben County Farm Bureau, Eastern Milk Producers and former Canisteo Agway. James was a member and past master of Robinson Lodge #649 F & AM in Jasper. He and Barbara enjoyed many trips abroad to include Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Canada, Mexico and Hawaii and all the states, meeting many wonderful people along the way. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and farmer, who loved his family and farm, with the “moo’ of the cows never leaving his heart. Barbara Heckman passed away May 1, 2011 in Zephyrhills, FL. She was born Nov. 7, 1932 in Lolita, Texas. and spent the early years of her life in Lolita where she graduate from high school. That summer she met James Heckman "the love of her life" postponed her enrolling in nursing school, married James and started a wonderful life in Jasper raising three boys and being a big part of the Jasper community. Many highlights and happy moments occurred in Barbara's and James life of 60 years together. Surviving are two sons, Michael Heckman of Jasper, John Heckman (Donna Brooke) of Springfield, MA. 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a brother Howard “Bub” (Carolyn) Heckman of Jasper and dear friend Nena Kelley of Jasper. In addition to his wife, James was predeceased by a son Howard W. Heckman, grandson Michael C. Heckman, daughter-in-law Vanessa Heckman and brothers George and Seymour Heckman. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service for both James and Barbara will take place Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the United Church of Jasper at 2:00 pm with a meal and fellowship to follow. Final interment will be in the Jasper Cemetery. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to either the Jasper Library, Preacher St. Jasper, NY 14855, the United Church of Jasper, PO Box 21 Jasper, NY 14855 or to Care First, 3805 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post, NY 14870. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.