James Heinze

James Edward Heinze, 71, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Jim had been under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. James Heinze, the third child of Julius and Edith (Ida) Heinze was born March 5, 1944 in Valley City, North Dakota. He attended Oriska High School where he excelled in sports, especially basketball. After high school he enlisted in the National Guard' 141st Engineer Battalion of which he proudly served for nearly 12 years. He was honored as Outstanding Soldier in 1974. Jim and Paula Twamley were united in marriage on Sept. 5, 1964 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Oriska, ND, the same church where he was baptized and confirmed. Jim and Paula raised 3 children and were foster parents to several teenagers. At the age of 23 Jim realized a life-long dream when he was hired by the Valley City Police Department as a patrolman. After 18 months he was hired by the Barnes County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff until he was forced to retire due to medical disabilities. Family was everything to Jim. His strength during the past 30 years came from his faith, his children and grandchildren, He loved being a grandpa and was so proud of their accomplishments. He was especially delighted to be a "Grandpa-Great" and was delighted to get to meet Laila this summer. Jim was a life member of the AMVETS, Willis W. Weber Post #3, Valley City. He was an avid follower of anything cars and had restored a 1931 Chevrolet, "Sweetness" which earned many awards at car shows. He was a member of the North Dakota Street Rod Association. Survivors include his wife Paula, Fargo, ND; 3 children, Amy Olson, Phoenix, AZ., Shannon (Heather) Heinze, Armada, MI, and Jimie Jean (Dwayne) Miraldi, West Fargo, ND, seven grandchildren Jared Olson, Ashlee Tucker, Amanda Payne, all of the Phoenix area, Andrew Peters, Barrington, RI, James Heinze, Armada, MI, Derrick and Jenessa Miraldi, West Fargo,ND and one great-granddaughter, Laila Payne. Also surviving are sisters, Elaine (Ted) Zaun, Valley City, Lillian (Jack) Flowers, Bellflower, CA, brothers, Tom (Ellen) Heinze, Richville, MN, Julius Heinze, Oriska, ND along with many nieces and nephews. Preceding Jim in death were his parents, an infant son, Michael James, niece Janelle Zaun and in- laws Wayne and Lillian Twamley. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell