James “Jim” Evans Heal
James Evans Heal, 74, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2015 at the Rosebud County Health Care Center after a battle with cancer.
James Evans Heal was born on December 31, 1940 in Claymont, Delaware to Bertha Evans Heal and Walter Frank Heal, the oldest of three children. He moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1956 where he attended Henderson High School. In high school, Jim played football, was involved in DeMolay and graduated in 1959.
Jim worked in construction after high school. In 1967, he began his apprenticeship with the IBEW Local 654 in Chester, PA and became a Journeyman electrician after 4 years. Jim worked as head of the Rosebud County cemetery until his retirement.
Jim joined the First West Chester Fire Company in 1963. He was very active with the firefighting and marching units. Jim was part of the honor guard where he carried one of the axes. He was an instructor at the Chester County Fire School in Thorndale for several years. Jim served in many positions during his time with the fire hall. He was first an engineer and became Chief Engineer in 1971 and served again in 1975-1976. He became Captain in 1979 and Assistant Chief of the Department from 1982 through 1986. Jim was very active in all firehouse functions from his first days as a member until he left to go West to follow his dreams. He continued fighting fires in Montana for Rosebud County mainly fighting local wildland fires. Jim loved his time with the Wessies and the many wonderful friends he made during his 27 years of active firefighting. Jim continued his membership even after he moved to Montana; he received his fifty year pin shortly before his death.
Jim loved hunting and fishing, he started hunting in high school and his passion for the outdoors grew. He took several hunting trips over the years but his trips to Montana were his favorites. After every trip he found it harder and harder to come back to Pennsylvania. He knew in his heart that Montana was where he belonged.
Jim met Barb in West Chester, Pennsylvania and his love of the West grew on her. They were married in 1989 and moved to their dream home in Montana in 1990. Jim and Barb made many new friends and had many adventures after moving to Montana. Jim loved the Montana ways, helping out whenever he could. Some of his favorite days were spent on his black and white paint, Walleye, helping local ranchers work cattle. Riding Walleye in the Texas to Montana cattle drive was a special time for Jim. After retirement, Jim and Barb enjoyed traveling and their Alaskan cruise was their most memorable trip.
Jim loved hunting, but even more he loved sharing the hunting experience with others. He shared that passion with yearly trips to elk camp with his son-in-law and many friends as well as the annual Thanksgiving deer hunts at his property. He was thrilled when his grandson Evan was able to help haul Poppop’s deer and was especially proud to be with his granddaughter, Claire, when she harvested her first deer.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Evans Heal II who he lost to Leukemia at age 6. He is survived by his wife Barbara Marie Heal, his daughter and son-in-law Tracy and Monty Montague, and grandchildren Claire and Evan. Jim is also survived by the family he inherited when he married Barb; son and daughter-in-law Erik and Kristin Skinner, and daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Bart Hill and grandchildren Cari Ann Krawchuk, Julia Mahan, Sarah Hill, and Bart J. Hill and 7 great-grandchildren.
Jim made friends wherever he went, he had an infectious laugh and a big heart. He was always willing to help out and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others, whether it was at the fire hall, the electricians union or hunting. Everyone seemed to enjoy “Big Jim”.
Services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 1:00 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting with the arrangements. Condolences and favorite memories may be left online by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com .
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First West Chester Fire Company or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Sandi Van Pelt says
Barb and family, I am sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori and Ken Reierson says
Barb and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mona Johnson says
Barb and Family. I am so sorry to hear of Jim passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was a fun person to know. May the angels wrap their arms around you and hold you tight.
Janet & Randy Stanhope says
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. He was such a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed. Please know you and your family are in our prayers.
Connie Brown says
Barb,
I am sorry for you and your family in the loss of your loved one Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sharon Wetsch says
Barb.. I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.. Hugs and prayers.
Patti Crosby says
Barb,
So sorry for your loss. But know he’s not suffering any longer! Hugs & prayers!
karson kluver says
I sure liked that fellow. He always had a humorous look at things. Will miss him.
Keith, Brenda and Sarah Stabelfeldt says
Barb, we’re so sorry for your loss of Jim. We’ll keep you and all in our prayers. Love and hugs.
Jack and Kris Crocker says
Barbie and family, so sorry to here of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful person to be around always had a hello. He will be dearly missed.
Joe and Pam Ash says
Oh, Barb, I am so sorry. Love you.
Janice Plucinski says
Barb (mom),
I am so sorry about Jim. I have been in Oregon and just found out. I love you and prayers for you to get through your difficult times. He is watching over you and all family and friends now. I will miss his laugh and him calling me hon… 🙁
Walter Mitchell says
Barb, Tracey and family I am so sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by a lot of people out their and also back East. Glade I got to see him last year had a great time with all. He is watching over all of us now along with his son and friends
Walt Mitchell says
Barb, Tracey and family I am so sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by a lot of people out their and also back East. Glade I got to see him last year had a great time with all. He is watching over all of us now along with his son and friends.
Kinsee Crocker says
Barb,
I am so sorry for the loss of Jim. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Ashby says
I am sorry for your lost. Jim will be miss by lot of us.
Elaine Buck says
Bard so very sorry for the loss of Jim. What a great man he will be missed by all.
Christine Screem & Family says
Barb, Tracy and Eric, I read that Jim had passed away recently in the Daily Local News, West Chester, PA. I’m so sorry to hear this. I still remember Jim and my Dad (George Screem) when they were in Wessies Fire House here in West Chester, and they would march in the parades in their Red Coats and straw hats many, many years ago, and we went to many Fire House BBQs….and Denny was there too. I was very young but I still remember those days. Sadly my Dad passed two years ago this upcoming September so they’ll be hanging out upstairs… with I’m sure many beers!!!
Barb, I remember when you met Jim here in West Chester……what a surprise that was!!!! I think I was dating Erik at the time. All of us here (the Screems and extended family members here in West Chester, PA) are very sorry for your loss. Lots of prayers, hugs and kisses from me to you. Fondly,
Christine Screem & family
Vince Thomas says
Oh wow, Barb my heart is broken. If not for Jim my years working for Rosebud County would have been a lot less enjoyable. Jim was great to work with but most of all he was a great friend. He was my right arm and adviser. The truth is I can’t find the words I need to say. The world has lost a great guy but the Lord got the best damn cemetery Foreman! My friend Jim! God has blessed me by giving me a little time with him. Love you Barb! God Bless!
Vince
Julia Mahan says
He was a good man who took the time to teach others. I’ll always remember his laugh too. He was truly happy. I’m glad that you two went off and pursued your dreams in Montana. May today be a celebration of his life and of family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eric Skinner says
What a great guy, I will miss him and his laughter
Cari Krawchuk says
I will miss that big hearted laugh, and the big hearted guy behind it. Wish we could be there. Sending all our love and prayers from Pa, and a big hug to Grandmom. We Love you. Cari, Eric & Parker
Sarah Hill says
To Grandmom, Tracy, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. A lot of people have loved and cherished Grandpop Jim. He will forever remain my John Wayne. I always looked up at him in awe as he was so strong and steady yet kind and caring. I’m glad you guys chased your dreams. He was truly happy and proud of the life you all created. There was nothing greater then seeing you guys working on an adventure or seeing Grandpop Jim teach his grand kids to shoot. We were blessed to have had him in our lives. He was much loved and will be greatly missed, much love to you all!
Kevin Hassett says
I am a member of Local 654, where Jim worked until 1990. I had the pleasure of working with Jim on more than one occasion. I hope you and the family know how respected Jim was in our local. I remember Jim to be a hard worker and a real craftsman. I am so sorry for your loss. But keep in mind, Jim will live on in the memories that he left with all of us. He has been gone from the local since 1990. But I can still remember working with him on the CCA project and hearing that laugh. And how he would end lunch “come on boy we’ve got work to do” Great man, Great memories.
Steve&Kate Sop says
Barb we are so sorry for your loss.I can always remember the good times we had Friday nites at the bar in west chester.And hunting trips with Jim.He was always a lot of laughs and a good workingbuddy on any job at the Local. Please accept ourdeepest condolences.
Steve& Kate
Randy and Lynn Moore says
Barb, so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great friend. He and I spent a lot of time together at the Wessies. His big smile and laughter will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Randy & Lynn
Dan Malin says
Sorry for you loss Barb, Jim was a friend of mine and of my Father, George Malin, who passed last summer. Jim was always an excellent firefighter, and he also spent some time at the Malfunction Lodge in Sullivan County, PA. When I was 14 years old, Jim lent me a .243 rifle and I got my first buck with it. Just a great guy, prayers to you all.
Dan Malin