James Frederick “Jim” Heid of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the age of 72 at his home in Punta Gorda, Florida, after a long extended illness.

Jim was born September 11, 1941, in Erie, PA, to Mary Alice and Frederick F. Heid. He earned his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering at Villanova University and his masters’ degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. Jim was a life-long engineer, beginning his career at Hamilton Standard, where he worked on developing a lifeline for astronauts. He spent a majority of his career at ITT Goulds Pumps in Seneca Falls, NY rising through the ranks from an Applications Engineer to Manager of Nuclear Applications and finally a Quality Assurance Manager. Jim married Mary Ann (Amenta) Heid, on Aug. 13, 1966 and they were married for 30 years until Mary Ann passed away from her battle with cancer. Jim met Christine Shipley, with whom he celebrated marriage on January 8, 2000. Jim was an avid golfer and a member of the Seneca Falls Country Club. He was a spirited follower of NASCAR and of Syracuse Orange basketball. Jim loved to work on cars and to drive them (especially his Corvette) but his greatest passion was his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Christine; two sons, James Paul Heid and his wife Michelle of Woodstock, GA, and Peter Frederick Heid and his wife Sheri of Atlanta, GA; his daughter, Krista Perkins of Acworth, GA; five grandchildren, Marianna Heid, James Peter Heid, Mason Perkins, Tyler Perkins, and Matthew Heid; his stepchildren Melissa LeFaiver and Katy LeFaiver of North Kingstown, and Elliott LeFaiver and his wife Megan of Cranston, RI; his brother, Charles Heid and his wife Judy of Erie, PA; his sisters, Alice Murtaugh and her husband James of New York City, M. Kathleen Heid of State College, PA, and Jeanne Heid Grubman and her husband Howard of Wheeling, IL; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim’s life and a memorial mass at St. Patrick’s Church, Seneca Falls, NY will be held on Saturday, January 4, at 10 am. There will be no prior calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to We Share Hope, a Rhode Island-based food rescue program that helps feed the homeless and poor (60 Willett Avenue; Riverside, RI 02915)or to NEARI Children’s Fund, 99 Bald Hill Road, Cranston, RI 02920.

Arrangements are under the direction of Doran Funeral Home, Seneca Falls, NY.
Please visit: doranfuneralhome.com