James Hefner

James Nicholas Hefner Our Chief December 3rd on a clear, crisp night a new star was illuminated in the heavens. Our amazing husband, devoted dad & dear friend, James Nicholas Hefner, slipped away at the home he built, with loving family and friends at his side, following a valiant battle with Renal Cancer. Jim was born January 1, 1945 in Greenwood, Wisconsin to Peter Nicholas and Catherine Eva Schmitz Hefner. He graduated from Marshfield High School in 1962 and was looking forward to his 50th class reunion next year. He enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation, and was always so proud to serve his country. Jim served 2 tours in Vietnam, and was stationed in many other places in Asia. He was married to Leslie Jollie and they had 2 children, Nick and Mindy. Jim retired from the USAF as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1985 and began his career as a home builder, completing over 50 homes in Davis County. Jim decided to go back to school at Weber State, and it was there that he met Deb. He went on to receive his Associates Degree in Architectural Design. He married the girl of his dreams Deborah Black, in 1989 in Norman, Oklahoma at her sisters home. Their family became complete when Ashleigh was born in 1991. She was the light of his life. There was never a Daddy more loved than Jim was by his Angel Ashleigh. Jim loved living in Farmington and was always involved in activities which made his community a better place. He was currently serving as Commander of American Legion Post #27 in Farmington and was the driving force behind the creation of the Farmington Veterans Memorial. He was honored at the dedication ceremony and received a coveted Farmington City Coin from Mayor Scott Harbertson. He was always available to be part of the detail to give military honors to veterans who had passed on. Jim loved being with his family, being on his boat at Flaming Gorge, and walking his dog Luci through the Somerset neighborhood he loved. He was always there when someone needed his hand and his hammer. Jim was a Davis County Master Gardener. He had served 8 years on the Somerset Homeowners Board, many of these as President. He loved the annual neighborhood 4th of July party with all his neighborhood friends. Jim served in many callings in his ward including emergency preparedness coordinator, cub master and taking care of his widows at Lloyds Mobile Home Park. Jim is survived by his wife, Deb, their daughter Ashleigh, son Nick (Kenna), daughter Melinda (Brian Batie), brother Thomas (Susan), sister Donna (Robert Hinker), sister & brother in law Donna & Steve Minch, nieces Jessie (Matthew Buechel), Beckie Minch-Green; grandchildren, Aliana, Ciara, Jonathan and Marcus, grand nephew Luke. He will also be missed by the Richard and Roxanne Squire and Tim and Sasha Fisher families, whose children called him Grandpa Jim. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10 at 11 am at the Somerset Chapel 1880 Summerwood Drive, Farmington. Friends may visit Friday from 5:30-8 pm at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main, Farmington and Saturday from 9:30-10:45 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davis Education Foundation, 45 E. State St., Farmington 84025 for the Davis High Marching Band in Jims name. Jim was a Band Dad and loved the DHS Band!

Deb and Ashleigh wish to express their thanks to Dr. Robert Harris and his wonderful family, Dr. Jason Stinnett, Dr Agerwal, Julia Batten, Dr. Matthew Poppe, Colleen, Rachel, Mike and Janice Kennedy, and the members of the Farmington 20th Ward for taking such good care of our Dad and husband. We will miss him. But now we will remember him together and neither of us will be so lonely as we would be if we had to remember him alone.