"SO sorry and surprised to hear of Heather's passing. We always shared good conversations when she checked in to volunteer here at Mary Greeley. I work the Information Desk at our hospital where our volunteers clock in for their shift. She always loved volunteering here, and was so eager to help in whatever way she could. She will be missed. Wishing you peace in this time of grieving - and celebrating -- her special life."
In loving memory of
Heather James
January 29, 1969 - September 6, 2025
Heather Lynn James passed away September 6th, 2025, in Ames, Iowa, at the age of 56.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, 159 Sheldon Avenue, in Ames, Iowa, with Rev. Dr. Brett Becker officiating. Burial will take place at Iowa State University Cemetery.
Heather was born January 29, 1969, to William and Mary James. She was the middle of three children. She graduated from Ames High School and attended Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, for a time, before attending Des Moines Area Community College, from which she earned her Associate's Degree.
Heather worked at various jobs, but her most rewarding times were while volunteering for Mary Greeley Medical Center, where she helped families in the Intensive Care Unit waiting room, as well as for the Iowa Games and the Iowa Special Olympics.
Heather loved scrapbooking and made a special scrapbook for her nephew every year, creating special memories for him for almost 21 years; as well as making cards for every occasion, which she faithfully sent to friends and family.
Heather served as a Deacon at Collegiate Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed "Silver Sneakers" exercise classes (where she must have been by far the youngest) and taking walks, after which she was certain to send her family screenshots of her fitness tracker so she could brag about her accomplishment.
Trips to the North Shore of Lake Superior, Alaska, Nebraska, to see her nephew, and California, to visit her "cat niece" Bora, were all very special times for her. In recent years, she was blessed to share a home with, first, Peaches and, then, K.C., her faithful feline companions.
The family wishes to thank Heather's special friends who provided love and good memories for her over the course of her life.
Heather was preceded in death by her mom and dad. She is survived by her siblings, Kevin (Pearl You) James, of Mountain View, CA, and Kara (Tony) Hillhouse, of Lincoln, NE; nephew Ronan James-Estenson, niece Carmen (Aedan) Strauss; numerous extended family; and K.C. her cat.
In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, Heather's family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the Ames Animal Shelter and sent to the family's attention at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa, 50010.
Tributes
"Dear Family,
I was saddened to receive the news of Heather's death. Heather followed me every Friday afternoon as a volunteer at the ICCU Information Desk at Mary Greeley Hospital. We always spent some time visiting about current affairs and our respective ministries at our churches. I also got weekly updates on her cats, first "Peaches" and lately "K.C."
May God grant her eternal rest in the arms of his everlasting love. I am remembering her in my prayers.
Fr. Jim Secora"