James D. Heitt

James D. Heitt

Cedar Rapids

James D. Heitt went to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct. 31, 2022. A visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the memorial service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for James D. Heitt, under the video tab, at the

start of the service.

James was born on Oct. 30, 1939, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Dale and Kay (Beck) Heitt. He graduated from Andrew High School in Andrew, Iowa. In 1963 he started his career as a machinist at Welty-Way Products, Inc. in Cedar Rapids, which eventually became Iowa Precision Industries, Inc. From there he went on to serve as machine shop lead man, machine shop night shift supervisor, production planning manager, plant superintendent, sales engineer, vice president of operations, vice president and general manager, and ultimately president of Iowa Precision Industries. He also served as president of The Lockformer Company of Lisle, Ill., and was a director, president and chief operating officer of the parent company Met-Coil Systems Corporation.

During his business career, he held others to the same high standards that he held for himself. Although he did push hard at times, he was also able to recognize when people truly needed a bit of a “break” and would so reward them. Everyone who encountered him left with a smile, as he was a good and fair businessman with a strong presence.

Jim had a deep love and strong commitment to his three boys, Marty, Jeff and Dave. Throughout their upbringing, he coached their pee-wee football teams and was involved in all of their sports. Whenever he was with his boys, laughter was loud and abundant. They meant the world to him. Jim enjoyed playing tennis, golf and cards weekly with his long time friends, and did this well into his 70s. He actively participated in company sponsored basketball, bowling, pool and ping pong. He had a love for horses and riding, for blues music, dancing and the Dallas Cowboys. His career provided him with extensive worldwide travels throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Jim married Tammy Cook on June 21, 2001, in New Orleans. He was a giving, loving, romantic husband with an incredible sense of humor, tremendous intellect and a magnetic personality. Jim and Tammy had a strong bond during their wonderful 21 years of marriage. They walked hand in hand as Jim bravely battled his health challenges later in life. Jim will be forever loved.

Jim is survived by his dear wife, Tammy; sons, Martin Reed and Jeffrey Drew, both of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Briton Martin (Kay) Heitt and Morgan Bradley Heitt; great-grandchildren, Brielle Kay, Robby Lee and Kaden James Heitt, all of Oklahoma; stepsons, Nicholas Craig (Stephanie) Hubacek of Cedar Rapids and Gregory Scott (Sarah) Hubacek of Los Angeles, Calif.; brother-in-law, Larry Stickley of Boscobel, Wis.; sister-in-laws, Joannie (Dan) of Orr, Minn., Deha Miller (Wyndel) of Lemesa, Texas, and Valerie (John) of Shell Lake, Wos.; plus numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved son, David; and sister, Barb Stickley.

The Salvation Army was an important charity to Jim, as the organization once helped him in his youth. He has been an active supporter since then. Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s memory by going to centralusa.salvationarmy.org/cedarrapids/ and supporting their mission, which is to provide Faith, Hope and Help. Or send in Jim’s name to The Salvation Army, 1000 C Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids IA 52404.

Online condolences are welcome and can be made at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.