James Heglund

James “Jim” Heglund went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2025, at Salina Regional Health Center. Jim was born to the late Julius and Mildred Heglund on October 7, 1938. He was baptized into Christ on December 11th, 1938.

Jim grew up on a farm outside of Mentor, Kansas, and graduated from Assaria Rural High school in 1956. Following his graduation, Jim joined the National Guard and began working at Boeing in the engineering department. After three years at Boeing, Jim worked briefly for the Union Pacific railroad in Kansas City before returning to the Salina area to begin a lifelong farming and ranching career in 1962.

Jim was selected as Kansas Young Farmer of the year in 1973 & 1974. In addition to farming, Jim became an over the road truck driver for Western Auto / Schneider Trucking in 1983. He retired in 2006. Jim was a long-time member of the Assaria Lutheran Church and enjoyed farming, antique cars and tractors, and spending time with family and friends

Jim married the love of his life, Judy Brightbill, on February 22, 1959. To this union two children were born. Christy (Heglund) and her husband Boyd Rodeman of Newton, Kansas and Michelle (Heglund) and her husband Dennis Claussen of Valley Center, Kansas. In addition to his two daughters, Jim is survived by eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, his sister; Kathy Ruth, of Cortez, Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Judy Brightbill; and sister, Elaine Heglund.

Visitation will be held at Crick-Christians Funeral Home in Lindsborg, Friday, October 3rd from 5:00pm-7:00pm

Funeral services for Jim will be held at the Assaria Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00am. Interment will be at the Smoky Hill Cemetery in Lindsborg Kansas at 2:00 pm.

Memorials can be made to the Assaria Lutheran Church or “Rooted in Remembrance” project at Smoky Hill Cemetery; Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.