James Heilman

James K. Heilman, 77, of Carey, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Jimmy was born on Oct. 9, 1948, to the late Kenneth and Nona (Roszman) Heilman. He is survived by his two sisters, Carol J. Walton and Susan K. Arnett, both of Carey; six nieces and nephews, Sara Sapp, Shelley (Fred) McKee, Stephanie (Paul) Dawson, Amy Arnett, Ann (Jeff Foshag) Mills and Aaron (Amy) Arnett; 11 great-nieces and nephews, April (Tom Washburn) Huffman, Joshua Sapp, Samantha (Gerald) Caldwell, Patty (John) Thomas, Grant (Kelly) McKee, Hannah (Dalton) Adkins, BriAnna McQuistion, Nicole Mills, Jason (Ashley) Foshag, Madelyn and Macie Arnett; and nine great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Lewis Walton and Jack Arnett; nephew, Jeff Walton; niece, Sally (Walton) Huffman; great-nephew, Andrew Huffman; and nephews-in-law, Clair Huffman, James Sapp and Arthur Mills Jr.
Jimmy graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in the class of 1966. After high school, he worked at Traxler Implement in Carey as a mechanic. He was a veteran of the United States Army, drafted in 1969 and served in Germany as an SP4 until 1971. After returning home, he devoted himself to his lifelong career in farming alongside his business partner, Jeff Wolf for almost 40 years. Jimmy loved planting new crops and watching them grow. He enjoyed harvest season in the combine together with his best dog, Taz.
He was affiliated with Christ Lutheran Church of Carey. He served as a Salem Township Trustee for many years and was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 344 in Carey and the Elk’s Lodge #83 in Upper Sandusky. Jimmy loved spending time with his family and had a special bond with his sister, Susan. Though he did not have any children of his own, he played a big part in the lives of his nieces and nephews, especially Amy, Ann and Aaron. He obtained his pilot’s license as a hobby, but after a safe emergency landing in a cornfield, he never flew again. He was also an avid golfer in his “younger” years and at one point, golfed for more than 30 days straight.
Most will remember Jimmy for his warm smile and willingness to always lend a hand. He was a faithful friend and enjoyed daily visits with those who stopped.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association, Upper Sandusky FFA or Wyandot Memorial Hospital and can be sent to Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay Street, Carey, OH 43316.
A celebration of life is being planned and will be held at a later time.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with Jimmy’s family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com