Obituary: Hein, M. James “Jim”
Age 86
He leaves his many family, neighbors, and friends a legacy of the importance of honesty, family values, and faith.
In 1998 he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him without the ability to speak, yet through that quietly demonstrated to all just how much a positive attitude can overcome.
Hein was preceded in death by his parents George J. and Florence Hein, his wife of 60 years, Doris; his son, Douglas (Kathie) Hein; and his grandson Marcus Baye; and his sister Rita Rooks.
He is survived by his sister Carol Dahl, Spokane; brothers, Bill Hein, Reardan; Nick Hein, Traverse City, MI; by his daughter Jane’e Wells (Steve), Twin Cities, MN; son Darrell (Sherri) Hein, San Antonio, TX; and his daughter Diane Baye (Jim), Reardan; nine grandchildren: Tiffany (Ryan) Clouse, Natalie (Joe) McGrath, Bryan Wells, Kevin Wells, Andrew Hein (Amanda), Joseph Hein (Becky), Noah Hein, Ryan Baye, and Mandee Baye; five great-grandchildren: A.J.
Hein, Connor Clouse, Parker Clouse, Lindy McGrath, and Autumn Hein.
Hein was born in Spokane January 14, 1928.
He lived near Gravelle, lettered in baseball, football, and basketball for Reardan Schools, and was a 1946 grad.
He was the Reardan High School Reiking award winner for best athlete at Reardan High School that year.
He received a B.S.
in General Agriculture with an Education Certificate from Washington State College, Pullman.
He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
He taught Vo-Ag for Oaksdale High School 1953-1959.
He served as Farm Manager of the Morning Star Boys Ranch near Gravelle in 1960-66, using the setting of crop and animal production to develop good character qualities in troubled male youth.
He farmed land in the Reardan and Davenport areas from 1966 until his retirement in 1993.
He serviced insurance needs of farmers for crop hail protection.
He raised three of his four children to love farming and they become FFA presidents at Davenport High School.
He was an active member and officer of both the Reardan and Davenport Lions Clubs, with perfect attendance for decades (40+ years).
He was a member of St. Michaels and Immaculate Conception Catholic Churches.
He was honored as Lincoln County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1973.
Later he served on the City of Davenport Planning Commission, he was instrumental in the conception and development of the Davenport Village Retirement Home when it opened in the late 80s.
He served on the Lincoln Mutual Board of Directors.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs, the WSU Cougars, and the Seattle Mariners have all lost a spectacularly loyal fan.
Rosary Vigil will be held Thursday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Reardan.
Funeral Mass is planned for Friday, December 12, 11:00 a.m., also at St. Michael’s, and burial will be in Reardan.
Memorials are appreciated to his favorite causes: St Michael’s Catholic Church, Reardan, WA, America Cancer Society or Farmers for the Cure.
Please sign the on-line guest book at www.stratefuneralhome.com.
Strate Funeral Home is caring for the family.