In Memory of James Heldt

James E. Heldt, who was born on May 12, 1931 in Linden, Texas passed away on November 8, 2020.  James is pre-deceased by his loving wife, June D. Heldt.  They were married 66 years before she passed away in July.  He is also pre-deceased by his parents, James and Una Heldt.

His children and grandchildren, save one, live in the greater Houston area.  His two sons are James V. Heldt who is married to Wendy, and Randy Heldt who is married to Amanda.  There are five grandchildren, Jami Gonzales, Jenifer Ibarra, Kim Farrand, Sarah Fulton and Hunter Heldt.  There are great-grandchildren from infant to teenager.  They are Jonah, Josephine, Camilla, Izabel, Gage, Evie, Ronin, Ansen, Kaylee, Kylee, Luke, Jaci, Erin and Jenna.  James and June also had a special friendship with Hunter's mother, Lynda Heldt.

James had a life filled with purpose, adventure and new experiences around the world.  He was an only child, born in the middle of the Great Depression in a tiny town in East Texas.  His father worked in all kinds of jobs from outdoor labor crews to the steel mill.  The family owned and operated a gas station during the times in and around World War Two.  His mother was a skilled dress maker and often worked at night at home at the sewing machine to help the family make ends meet.

James was the first in his family to graduate from college, attending North Texas State University, in Denton Texas, and it was there that he met June, who was attending the neighboring Texas State College for Women.

They dated and planned to be married, but first James was required to report for service in the military.  It became a career and it took June and their children with him around the world.  He was in the Air Force for 20 years, much of the time a pilot of large C-130 cargo planes, and including service in the Vietnam War.  He eventually reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  It took James and June, and eventually their children, on assignments in Newfoundland, Alabama, New York, Japan, Ohio, Okinawa, and Oklahoma.

When the family returned to the Houston area, James became a safety professional for ship channel industries and the school district.  They established a home in the Clear Lake / Galveston Bay area, and James learned to sail boats, which became a passion.

When James retired for good, he and June traveled the US by RV and made friends everywhere.  Even when June's health began to fail and they were not really able to travel, James decided to build an airplane, although he was in his 80s.  In his last years he spent much time at the hangar in Conroe, tinkering with the Tailwind two-seater.

James remained devoted to June and was with her each day at her assisted living facility until she passed.  He brought flowers to June and caregivers.  His family loves him and is grateful for his life.