James Leroy Heikens

James Leroy Heikens, 84, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Valley View Village in Des Moines. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Wellsburg Reformed Church in Wellsburg. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the church with burial following immediately at the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Jim was born on April 28, 1942, in Eldora, Iowa to his parents Harry and Dena (Hoodjer) Heikens. He was raised in Wellsburg and graduated from Wellsburg High School in the class of 1960. Jim earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Buena Vista University. Jim was united in marriage to Linda Riebkes at the East Friesland Presbyterian Church in Ackley, on May 23, 1964. Together they welcomed their son Chad and their daughter Shawna into their family.

Jim began his career in public school administration for Area Education Agency 6 in Marshalltown, Iowa, then Bridgeport Community Schools in Bridgeport, Michigan, and finally Knoxville Community Schools in Knoxville, Iowa, from which he retired in 2002.

Jim was an avid antique collector. He collected many antiques but had a passion for depression glass. He participated in many antiques shows in the Midwest, buying and selling. He loved to sing and was a member of “Gospel Singers” in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and was an active member of the churches he attended serving them as a deacon, elder, and a choir member. Jim was proud to serve as the President of the Wellsburg School Board and Secretary of the Knoxville School Board. He enjoyed his biannual trips with his wife Linda to Branson, Missouri. His true joy in life came from spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Jim is survived by his wife Linda; his son Chad Heikens; daughter Shawna Heikens (Dave Riewer); grandchildren Kaylee (Brody) Neas, Barelyn Heikens, and Crosby Riewer; great-granddaughter Kaylor Neas; sister Bev Hatcher, and sister-in-law Jean Heikens. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harlan, Don, and Marvin Heikens; sisters-in-law Pearl and Norma Heikens; and brother-in-law Terry Hatcher.