James Heintz was born Dec. 19, 1929 to Margaret and Howard Heintz in Pendleton, Oregon. He was the fourth child of five. His mother, father and all his siblings preceded him in death: Howard, Donald, Margaret, and Eva Lou. Jim passed away July 13, 2023, in Mount Angel Oregon surrounded by his family.
At eight years-old, he started work delivering papers around Pendleton then worked in a grocery store and in high school, worked in the Pendleton Woolen Mills. He started working for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at the entry level. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent over two years on the front lines in the Korean Conflict. He served as an expert marksman and was honorably discharged, then went back to work for ODFW. He was convinced that he should go to college and did so on the G.I. Bill of Rights. He graduated from Oregon State College in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management.
While at college, he met Patricia Magill Gruver. They were married in August of 1958. They had five children, Grant, Jenifer, Mary, Alexander and Suzanne while living in La Grande, Oregon. Jim became a member of the La Grande Mavericks horse club. ODFW promoted him from the Ladd Marsh Management Area to the Wilamette Valley Wildlife Mangement Area as Head Manager.
His family moved to the Molalla area there he joined the Molalla Buckeroo as one of the directors. Serving as the ODFW Manager he oversaw the Willamette Valley from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains and from South Portland to Corvallis Area. He answered deer and elk damage complaints along with all other animals/birds that caused damage to strawberry fields, corn, berry fields and every other animal/bird who was causing trouble for farmers.
He belonged to the Kiwanis Club and was a lifelong member of the Salem Rod and Gun Club. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and served in any capacity he was needed. Because of his interpretation of the Bible, one of his pastors fondly called him “Rabbi Jim.”
Jim is survived by his children, Jenifer Zeek of Lebanon, Oregon; Mary Wynn of Molalla, Oregon; Alexander Heintz of Fairlie, New Zealand; and Suzanne DuMont of Powell Butte, Oregon. Son, Grant, preceded his father in death.
The family wishes to thank the Willamette Valley Hospice for their care and support these past few years. Contributions can be made to Willamette Valley Hospice or The Salvation Army.
At a later date there will be a private memorial service. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Mount Angel.
