SMITH CENTER – James Earl Heeler age 67 of Smith Center went to “The Happy Hunting Ground in the Sky” on Sunday June 21, 2020. He was born in Beloit, KS the son of James L. & Margie (Henry) Heeler on May 22, 1953, the same day as his father.
In 1968 Jim or Jimmy as he was called, moved to Smith Center, and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1971. After high school he attended Colby Community College for two years and then transferred to Fort Hays State where he graduated with honors (Cum Laude) with a major in Business Administration.
James started a recycling business in 1986 in Hays, KS. He also began trapping and digging Kansas snake root in the hills of the Saline and Solomon Rivers. In 1995 he moved back to Smith Center to be closer to his parents. He loved his family and friends dearly and gave to them from his heart.
Those who knew Jim, knew he loved the outdoors and had a passion for fishing, trapping, and hunting. His hunting buddies were his father for many years, his nephews Lance and Brandon and best friend Justin Kline. He also loved to play the slot machines in area casinos with his mother Margie, Father James and his sisters Shelia and Janice. He was also an avid football fan and Smith Center Redmen supporter. He loved to enter the weekly Pioneer Pickem contest during football season and won it several times.
Jim was preceded in death by his father James L. Heeler; Sister Cindy Erickson; & nephew Lance Bottom.
Jim is survived by his mother Margie Heeler of Smith Center; sisters Shelia Birch of Beloit, KS and Janice Heide of Smith Center; girlfriend Kathy Brown of Topeka, KS; nephew Brandon Snow; Niece Erin Hays; great niece Jordan Bottom; best friend Justin Kline; good friend and neighbor Kenny Hettinger.
The family would like to thank Hospice, doctors, nurses and all caregivers and Kevin Kriley for all his help over the last few months.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2020 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary in Smith Center.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00PM Thursday June 25, 2020 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit, KS.
The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Smith Center United Methodist Church and/ or Hospice Services of Smith County and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary of Smith Center, KS., www.simmonsrentschler.com
