Jim Heyman, active in Ohio fairs, dies

James H. Heyman, 81, of Sandusky, Ohio and formerly of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away on February 5, 2013 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. Jim was born on August 26, 1931 as the youngest of 3 sons to the late Harold and Mary (Schmitz) Heyman of Clyde, Ohio. He graduated from Monroeville High School in 1949, where he had been active in basketball and school plays.

 

Jim served in the U.S. Army Airborne Division in Korea where he received the Bronze Star for valor in combat and attained the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1952. He was employed as a bookkeeper and controller for various local businesses including Barr Rubber, Lyman Boats, Foster Grant, Periodical Publishers, Wabash LaGrange Steel, Home Savings and Loan, Milan Steel, Spitzer Marina and the Norwalk VFW. Jim was a former member of the Sandusky Yacht Club, the Sandusky Sailing Club, Norwalk Lions Club, and the Norwalk High School Athletic Boosters. He was a member and officer of the Monroeville American Legion and the Huron County Fair Board where he also served on the harness racing committee. Jim also served as Secretary for the Buckeye Superstakes Harness Racing Association. He enjoyed sailing, especially with the Tuesday Night Sailors including Bill, Kim, Dan, and Kenny. On Thanksgiving day in 1955, he married Loisanne O'Dell, who preceded him in death after 53 years of marriage, in 2008.

 

Jim is survived by one daughter, Maryellen (James) Hamernik of Norwalk, Ohio, and two sons, Thomas (Karen) Heyman of Ingleside, Texas, and Andy Heyman of Lexington, Kentucky. He is also survived by grandchildren, Emily, Michael, Adam, Marissa, Brandon, Scott, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Amanda, by his step grandchildren, Danielle and Brad, and by his great grandchildren, Noah, Alicia , Ethan, Tyler, Claire, Sloane, and Drew. Jim was preceded in death by two brothers, Delbert James and Bernard Louis Heyman, and a daughter in law, Peggy Monroe Heyman.

 

At Jim's request, there will be no calling hours. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Feb.11, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Settlement Road, Norwalk, Ohio. Rev. William Pifher will officiate. Interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horseman's Association, 157 North Main Street, Salem, New Hampshire 03079. Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio is in charge of arrangements