James Heyen

James Heyen was born March 30, l935, at the family farm near Colfax, ND, to Dick and Dorothy (Nelson) Heyen. He attended one year of school at Pitcairn and graduated 8th grade at the Kinneberg School. James was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Colfax, ND. On April 14, l955 James enlisted in the army and completed basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. After basic training James attended Radio School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. In February l956 James was sent to Japan to serve until his discharge in March of l957. After his discharge, James returned home to the family farm, working with his dad and brothers until l958. He then moved to Valley City, ND, where he began work as a plumber. On November, l6, l963 James married Lois Vining in Valley City, ND, and they had four children together. The family moved to the Colfax area in l967, and James continued to work as a plumber in Fargo-Moorhead. In l970 they moved to the Helling Farm, West of Walcott. James and Lois opened the Walcott Plumbing, Heating and Hardware store in l972 and in l974 or75 the family moved into town. James and Lois have lived in the same home since. After the store closed James worked for both Allison Construction Co. and Wanzek Construction. He later bought the Clean Plumbing Shop in Fargo and worked as a plumber until his retirement. He enjoyed dancing, putting puzzles together, playing cards and a dice game called “Greedy”, and spending time visiting with family. James Heyen passed away at home, on February 23, 2019 with his wife and family by his side, and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. He is survived by his wife Lois, three children; Wallace, Lincoln, NE, Sarah (Ben) Franson, Fargo, ND, James R (Ursula), Ulen; grandchildren; Andrew, Lincoln NE, Crissy, Margo (Nolan), great-grandchild; Connyr; and brothers, Lloyd, Darrell, and Leonard (Karen) Heyen; and sister-in-law, Leola Heyen. James was preceded in death by his son; Craig, great-grandchild; Gabriella, two brothers; Donald and Dick, and sister Arline (Gene) and parents; Dick and Dorothy Heyen. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley, the Stones, the Pauls and anyone who has helped them.