James A. Heckert, age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Sheboygan Progressive Health Services. He is leaving behind a legacy of hard work and devotion to his family. He was born in Sheboygan on May 2, 1942, to the late Ray and Christine Chodak Heckert.
James was a man of character who spent his professional years as a dedicated employee at Plastic Engineering. On November of 1961, James married the love of his life, Barbara Pappas. Together, they shared over six decades of marriage, building a foundation of love that extended through three generations.
James is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Todd; four grandchildren, Brianna Heckert, Alexis (Luke) Van Ess, Brad Heckert, and Tyler (Bee) Heckert; and two step-grandchildren, Ryan Lorbecki and Sam Hayon. He was the proud great-grandfather of Audrey, Annie, and Zander Heckert, Lennon, Booker, and Calder Van Ess, and Charles Lorbecki. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scott Heckert; his daughter-in-law, Bonnie Heckert; and his parents-in-law, Frank and Arlene Pappas. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In accordance with the family’s wishes a cremation will take place and a private service will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Chapel of Eternal Light.
My deepest sympathy to you Barbara & your family on the loss of your husband Jim....love & hugs to you always! Would love to have lunch with you sometime & talk about old times. You can contact me at my email above....
Rest In Peace Blue Angel!!!
Always loved your kind spirit back in the day.
To Barb and Jim's family...please accept my deepest sympathy.
Barbara, I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I’m sending you & your family, loving thoughts & prayers. I remember Jim as a great guy, & I’m sure that you have great memories to help you get through this difficult time. Take Care…….
Deepest sympathy to childhood friend, Barb, and the entire Heckert family.
Barb I was very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Growing up next door, I have fond memories .Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey and Laura Bemis
Dear Barb, Jim was such a kind and funny man. I am thinking of you and keeping you close in prayer this holiday season. With sincere sympathy
Barb and family, I am so sorry for you’re loss. Jim showed every day how important his family was to him. He will be missed.
Jim You led a good fight. It's time to rest in Peace now. I will love you and miss you forever ❤️
Sending my most sincere thoughts and prayers to you Barb and your family. I will miss my conversations with Jim and will forever remember his kindness, personality, and "can do" attitude. One of a kind person. God Bless you all.
We’ll miss another good fellow classmate of St. Paul’s Lutheran Grade School
RIP classmate
Sending my deepest condolences to Jim's family. Jim was a good man who loved his family and friends. He loved being with his family and friends and his campground family. Our family met Jim and Barb many years ago at the campground and he was always so generous and kind to everyone he met. He had a big heart and loved doing for others and he was so handy. He could take a simple item and create and design it into something usable and creative. Jim will be missed and we are grateful for his friendship and for all the fun times we shared.
With Love, Tom and Kathy, Savannah, Chynnah and Dakotah
