James C Heard

James C. Heard was born in January 20, 1939 to Kenneth and Dorothy Heard in Louisville Nebraska. Jim graduated from Louisville High School in 1957. He attended a 2 year business school before starting his career with Gate City Steel in Omaha Nebraska

He met the love of his life, Mindy and they were married in August of 1982. They were married for 42 years. Just as she was while they enjoyed traveling the United States she was by his side at the end. Jim passed away at his home on January 13, 2023 overlooking his meticulously maintained backyard.

He started working as an accountant before moving into the sales department. In 1978 he was promoted to District Manager of the Salt Lake District of Gate City Steel and moved to Salt Lake City. He was transferred to Denver for 2 years where he finished a 30 year career with Gate City Steel.

He was recruited by Reliance Steel and Aluminum and moved back to Salt Lake City.

As the Manager of the Salt Lake division he worked to move the division from being a bottom performer to being the top performing division of the company in one year.

Jim loved his job and was gifted with math and statistics skills. He was well respected in his profession and served as a mentor for many people. When he retired he was recognized as “The man who cultivated character”.

With his retirement came the time to turn their pasture at their new home into the garden he loved tending to. He would spend everyday working in the garden and manicuring his lawn. He was known in the neighborhood for the abundance of tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and cucumbers. Visitors would stop by and leave with a box or 2 of produce. His other hobbies included fishing and,watching the Utah Jazz and Nebraska Cornhusker Football.

Jim never knew a stranger. He was interested in what made people who they were.

He was quick with a story, fictional or not. He had the reputation of being the jokester in the room. He was known to be kind, full of advice, encouraging and letting people know he was proud of their accomplishments.

Jim is survived by his wife Mindy Heard. His children Deanna, Todd and Mike Heard, Tanner (Deidra)Duran and Jimmy Kofron. Grandchildren Mandy, Christa, Shaeli, Sadie, Hannah, Austin, Matthew, Gabriel and 4 great grandchildren, sisters Sharon(Wayne) Weeke and Janet Clark

A celebration of life will be held this summer on July 22nd in his backyard.