Donald James [Jim] Heinen was born January 24,1934 in Minot, ND. Jim passed peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 91.

Jim grew up in Hillyard, WA. with his 8 siblings, he attended St. Patrick's Catholic School and graduated from Gonzaga High School [G-Prep] in 1951. Jim was hired on the Great Northern Railroad in 1952 as a Brakeman. He joined the Army during the Korean War and served for 3 years, honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He was fortunate enough to go on Honor Flight to Washington DC and ride on the Honor Flight float in the Torchlight parade. Jim returned to the Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad. After 42 years he retired in 1994 as a conductor. Jim was a jack of all trades. If something was broken or not working, he figured out a way to make it work.

Jim married Sandra Warford and they had 3 children, Daniel (Ida) Heinen, Sheryl (Wade) Thuline and Dennis (Donna) Heinen. Jim and Sandra divorced, and he met and married Carole Smith. Carole had 4 sons, Jeff and (Nancy) Barton, Tony and (Carol) Underdahl, Andy and Janine) Underdahl, and Derek and (Ruth) Smith. There are 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Jim and Carole were married for 42 years before her passing in 2023. Jim and Carole traveled around the country in their motorhome, visiting Carole's many cousins. They had a timeshare for 30 years in Mazatlan Mexico where all friends and relatives were invited to visit. For 23 years they wintered in Beaver Dam, Arizona where they had daily "Happy Hour", Potlucks and played Jims's favorite card game 31 which he very rarely lost at.

Jim loved Golf, watching the Mariners, Seahawks, and GU Basketball but most of all he loved watching Notre Dame football. Jim was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and faithfully attended Assumption Parrish. He truly loved the Lord.

Jim's rosary will be Friday, November 21 at 6pm at Assumption Catholic Church, 3624 W. Indian Trail Rd. Spokane, WA. Funeral Mass and reception will be Saturday, November 22 at 11am at Assumption