James "Jim" Harlan Heckman

James "Jim" Harlan Heckman passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children and special friends. James was born to John and Helen Heckman on May 11, 1960, in Libby, MT. He grew up in Bozeman, MT and graduated from Bozeman High School, class of ‘79.

James completed Journeyman Lineman apprenticeship training and worked for many powerline construction companies before getting a position with the Montana Power Company in 1991, later becoming Northwestern Energy. He had a 28-year career with them including being the Big Sky Town Manager for 10 years. He made many great friends at NWE.

James was a wonderful, generous man who touched many lives. He had a great sense of humor and a real gift for being able to talk to anyone, about anything, forever. He recently retired and was looking forward to the next chapter in his life. He was an amazing husband, dad, son, brother and friend, always ready to help in any situation. He loved his family, golfing with his buddies, skiing Big Sky, and camping with friends at Kim’s Marina on Canyon Ferry Lake. He was really happy to have recently reconnected with his cousin James (Bud) Heckman and his wife Kim.

James is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Patty, his daughter Molly (Skyler) Ybarra and son Samuel (Lexi) Heckman. His brothers Dennis (Jeannie) Heckman and Peter (Ruth) Heckman, and sister Suzanne Wolf. Sister-in-law Lisa (Myron) Gefroh. Nephews Jake Heckman, Spencer and Dakota Gefroh, and nieces Betsy Kersten and Katie Dimitri. And so many incredible, wonderful friends. Thank you All for being there! Thank you to the nurses and doctors in the CCU at Bozeman Health.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Helen Heckman, in-laws Robert and Isabel Eastman, and brothers-in-law Seamus Neary and Gary Eastman.

James was an organ donor, and his donation helped 2 people regain sight. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, 2024 at The Commons on Baxter Lane in Bozeman, MT. Doors open at 10:00 am, service will start at 11:11 am.