James W.B. Heilmann

James William Bert Heilmann III of Ravenswood WV, passed away November 29, 2024, at the age of 69 years old. He passed away peacefully at home with family at his bedside. Born March 5, 1955, in Ripley, WV to the late James William Bert Heilmann Jr. and Lucille Moore. His stepmom Brenda Jean Heilmann, whom he loved dearly.

Mr. Heilmann was an active member of WV IOOF Ripley Lodge #30. He served as the Grand Master for WV IOOF 2012-2013. He was a member of the Rebkahs Lodge #16 Ripley WV and Cantons of Ripley WV. James retired from Ames Shovel Factory with 30 years of service. He graduated from Ripley High School in 1973. While in high school he was a part of the yearbook and a sports reporter.

Mr. Heilmann loved camping, mowing his yard, tending his flower beds, watching westerns and Jeopardy. He was an avid fan of Ripley sports, Reds baseball, WVU sports, and forever know to him as the Washington Redskins. Most of all he loved the time he got to spend with his family, friends, and grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his father James William Bert Heilmann Jr. Paternal grandparents James William Bert Heilmann Sr. (former prosecuting Attorney of Jackson County) and Eunice Bell Heilmann of Ripley WV. Maternal grandparents Clarence and Georgia Moore of Ripley WV. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with a very special family friend and Reds baseball fanatic Dale Wilson of Ripley WV.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 50 years Debra Ann (Pride) Heilmann. His brothers Charles (Marlene) Heilmann of Ripley WV, Dennis (Susie) Heilmann of Teays Valley, Michael Heilmann of Ravenswood WV, and Matt Heilmann of Ripley WV. His two children Rebecca (Jeremy) Westfall of Sandyville WV and Steven (Mary) Heilmann of Sandyville WV. The best grandpa to Megan (Thomas) Higgins, Logan (Cassius) Stoffel, Miliah Westfall, Andrew Heilmann, Austin Heilmann, and Alexis Heilmann. Great grandpa to Ryan Stoffel, Damian Stoffel, Caroline Baley, and Conor Stoffel arriving in February. Many nieces and nephews. Two special kiddos close to his heart Lincoln and Cora Jean Heilmann. Also, as he would call him, his “dumb dog” Bill, whom he loved more than well we would say Diet Mt. Dew, but that is a bit of a stretch.

Arrangements have been made at Waybright Funeral Home in Ripley WV. Visitation will be on Monday Dec. 2nd 5pm to 8pm with the Odd Fellow service starting at 7p.m.. Then visitation Tuesday Dec. 3rd noon to 2pm, with the funeral taking place at 2pm. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com