James Bernard Heian

With full hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, the family of James Bernard Heian announces his passing on November 7, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on November 20, 1943, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, James—known to many as Jim—was a humanitarian, an educator, and steadfastly service oriented. He approached each day with quiet purpose, generous spirit, and the conviction that we are here to lift one another.

Education was both Jim’s vocation and his calling. After earning his Ph.D., he devoted his career to teaching and mentoring, guiding students and fellow faculty with patience, curiosity, and integrity. He believed learning was a lifelong endeavor best nurtured by compassion and rigor in equal measure. Beyond the classroom, Jim’s care for community was hands-on: he volunteered within his church and neighborhood, and with Habitat for Humanity, extending that service both locally and abroad. He loved playing bridge, biking, and sailing, and found joy in traveling, music, and spirited discussions about politics. Ever pragmatic and wry, he reminded loved ones that “a 10-minute nap is all it takes,” and, when asked how he was doing, his signature reply—“Still walking”—carried both humor and hope.

Jim took profound pride in raising his four children and in the family he and his beloved wife, Darlene (Ebersole) Heian, nurtured together. He is survived by Darlene; his children, Ellen M. Heian and her husband, John J. Stimson III, and their daughter, Aryl; Derek B. Six and his wife, Nicole M. Six, and their son, Daniel Six, his partner, Naya Gavin, and their children, Eliot and Stuart (Jim’s great-grandchildren), as well as their other son, Lucas Jennerman, his partner, Skylar LaGuard, and their children, Ramona and Riyah (Jim’s great-grandchildren); Laura A. Heian and her husband, Jason E. Shao, and their children, Christian, Leila, Penelope (Penny), and Benjamin James; and Siri L. (Heian) Sorensen and her husband, Tyler B. Sorensen. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ellen Heian Schmider and Barbara Boschen. He was predeceased by his son, Robert B. Heian, and by his parents, A. Bernard (Ben) Heian and Ellen D. (Gunderson) Heian.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity meaningful to you; the family will share suggested organizations at a later date. The family wishes to thank the intensive care and respiratory care staff of Sarasota Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care. May we honor Jim by continuing his work—showing up, lending a hand, and, in his words, still walking.