James "JJ" Hein
August 9, 1935 - October 2, 2019
James J. Hein, "JJ," died peacefully October 2, 2019, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on his 54th wedding anniversary to Patricia (Carey).
JJ was born in Danville, Ill., on August 9, 1935, the son of Jack (Beanie) and Mildred (Dowling) Hein.
He graduated from Holy Family and Schlarman High school. He was a strong Catholic and sent his four children to Schlarman High School as well.
After high school, he enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Hawaii. He enjoyed sharing stories of his enlistment, particularly that Hawaii became our 50th state during the time he was stationed there. He had fond memories of Hawaii and returned with his wife, Pattie, for their 30th wedding anniversary.
He leaves behind his wife, Pattie, of 54 years; three daughters, Michelle (Michael), Jamie and Jennifer (Phil); one son, Mark (Brandy); two grandchildren, Addison and Kolton; and several grand-puppies, Lucas and Beckham, Murphy and Mazy, and Sophie. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Jackie; brother, Jeri; his two nephews, Jac and Jay; and his parents, Mildred Dowling and Jack (Beanie) Hein.
JJ and his wife, Pattie, were avid sports fans and loved the Illini, Notre Dame, the Bears and especially the Chicago Cubs. He was thrilled to see the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. He enjoyed the games best when paired with a Bud Light and smoking or chewing his cigar.
He loved the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween, and enjoyed lifting the spirits of Danville residents with his holiday inflatables each year. He also loved dogs, especially the late Rocky Hein and his current fur son, Wrigley Hein.
He was a hard worker and was proud of his role in the union and his near perfect attendance at Hyster for 46 years. He also was involved in the Knights of Columbus and served as treasurer of this organization as well.
JJ was the rock of his family and will be dearly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, October 7, at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1303 Walnut St., Danville, with Father Bowan Schmitt officiating. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, October 7, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, 3940 N. Vermilion St., with a Rosary Service at 10:30 a.m. before departing in procession for Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church, Schlarman Academy or the Danville Humane Society. Please join James' family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Published on October 4, 2019 |