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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HEIMAN, James Francis - It is with great sadness that the family of James Heiman announces his passing at age 86.
Born in Kitchener, Ontario to the late Leonard and Marguerite Heiman, he was the last surviving member of four children. It was from his parents that Jim inherited his strong faith and dedication to family.
Jim joined air cadets at the age of 13 and later became a proud member of the prestigious Preston Scout House marching band. He started his career in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1960. He served aboard many ships, and later instructed, prior to his retirement in 1987 with a reputation as a dedicated and skilled engineer.
During his early years as a sailor Jim met his future wife, Mary Murphy. He and Mary were known for their love of dance and ability to tear up the dance floor. They were married in 1962, raising their family of four children in Dartmouth.
Jim’s favorite pastime was fishing which he picked up early from his father. There were many fishing trips into his favorite “spots” around Nova Scotia, as well as trips abroad, or at the cottage, with his fishing pals or with the kids. Another delight was receiving envelopes full of old postage stamps from family and friends. He was an avid philatelist from an early age, and spent many hours carefully seeing to his expansive stamp collection. Jim was a talented craftsman, and enjoyed time in his workshop with the fire going, often late into the night, building his creations (with extreme attention to detail) such as canoes, cabinets and all assortments of personalized items for Christmas gifts. Jim’s green thumb served him well as there was always a garden full of vegetables at the end of the summer, along with flower beds and trees/shrubs to be maintained. Even in his later years he could be found tending to his seedlings and transplants throughout the growing season.
Jim was predeceased by his loving wife Mary, sisters Jaqueline, Yvonne, brother Barry, and daughter-in-law, June. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Rick), Janice (John), sons Ronald and Roy; grandchildren Amanda, Curtis, Jaimie, Edward; Lindsay, Colin, Jonathon; Trevor, Tonya and Teresa, great grandchildren Jamieson, Poppy, Amy, Ronda, Jamal, Brianna, Arielle, Arleah, Kelcey, Cayden, Noah, Skylah and Adalyn, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his “Dad” jokes, as well as his singing voice and limitless repertoire of old songs.
Visitation will be 7-8:30 pm Wednesday January 14, 2026 at Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 320 Flying Cloud Drive, Dartmouth.
The funeral will be held 10:00 am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 320 Flying Cloud Drive, Dartmouth. Reception to follow in the church hall, with interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.
The family would like to send special thanks to the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building staff for their excellent care, compassion and support for Dad. (Dartmouth Funeral Home)
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