James Heilman

James Heilman, 74, New Salem, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 at a hospital. A funeral service will be held at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will held at the Bismarck Funeral Home on Monday, March 10 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at Spirit of Life Catholic Church. Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

James was born on March 5, 1950 in Carrington, to Andy and Lenora Heilman. He lived a life marked by resilience, adventure and devotion to his family.

After graduating high school, James joined the Navy, where he served until a car accident led to a year-long recovery at the VA Hospital in Chicago. Undeterred, he attended barber college and then worked alongside his father in Carrington. His adventurous spirit soon took him to Hawaii and the Philippines, where he met the love of his life, Violeta. The couple married and returned to Carrington in 1980, welcoming their son, James Jr. He resumed working for his father before finding his calling as a rural postman. Later, James and Violeta moved to New Salem, where he continued his career with the post office until retirement.

James found joy in the simple pleasures of life-fishing, tending his garden and spending time with Violeta. His quiet strength and warm presence touched all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Violeta; sisters, JoAnn and Andrea.

James was preceded in death by his son, James Jr.; parents, Andy and Lenora Heilman.

James will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his steadfast spirit and the love he shared with those around him.