James Albert Heddinghaus, 77, of Ballwin, MO passed away Sunday, November 18, 2018 at his home with family at his side. He was born February 5, 1941 in Moberly, MO to Albert & Amelia Sander Heddinghaus, Mr. Heddinghaus was a longtime partner in the former Heddinghaus Lumber Co and graduated from the lower level of Moberly Area Junior College in 1958. He served on the Navy destroyer, USS Halsey Powell, from January, 1959 to March, 1962 with an honorable discharge. He married the former Patsy Reynolds of Cairo on May 30, 1970 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Moberly. They lived in Cairo until health issues required they move closer to their daughters.
Mr. Heddinghaus was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, two daughters; Amelia (Tim) Steins of O’Fallon & Lydia (Ben) Franklin of St. Louis, six grandchildren; Lena, Grace, & Owen Steins & Oscar, Alana, & Noah Franklin, six siblings; Ann (Bob) Zink, Tom (Gail) Heddinghaus, Bill Heddinghaus, Linda (Bob) Elkow, Carol (James Russell) Heddinghaus, & Beth (Jerry) Minor. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews & cousins.
Jim’s first dedication was to God and his family. He also had a lifelong love of being on the water. Jim and family spent most summer weekends boating and waterskiing. He took many canoe trips with his siblings, camping on the river banks, even in winter. His daughters joined him on several winter floats. Jim celebrated turning 50 by taking a week-long solo float trip on the Missouri River from Glasgow to St. Charles. He considered this one of the highlights of his life. Jim achieved his dream of owning a sailboat, which he enjoyed whenever he had the chance.
He also enjoyed hiking and bicycling. One summer he rode his bike to and from the lumber yard. Another bike trip had Jim riding from Cairo to Arrow Rock to see a show while his family went by car.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St Pius X Catholic Church. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home. A rosary will be led at the conclusion of the visitation. The family suggests memorials to the American Parkinson Disease Association, St Louis APDA, 1415 Elbridge Payne Road, Suite 150, Chesterfield, MO 63017, or to the St. Pius X School Foundation, P O Box 310, Moberly, MO 65270.