James "Jim" Heit

James Joseph “Jim” Heit, 86, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025. Jim was born February 7, 1938, in Kinsley, Kansas, the son of Joseph and Augusta Pfeifer Heit. The family moved to Topeka in 1941 where he attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Hayden High School in 1956. Jim attended St. Thomas Seminary for two years. In 1959, Jim and Shirley Ann Quick were united in marriage enjoying over 58 years together prior to her death in 2018. Jim earned degrees in math and chemistry from Washburn University in 1964. He had a great work ethic. His career was in home construction working for various companies: Bowman, Whelan’s, RoHe, McPherson and his own company, Heit Construction. He had a math brain; he never used a calculator, even figuring angles in his head. Jim loved cooking, even as a teenager he cooked at Bishop’s Cafe. He enjoyed cooking for his family and preparing traditional German food. He loved teasing people and giving them a hard time. He had a wonderful smile that lit up his face. Jim loved his family. Survivors include his children, Pam Keenan (Larry), Tony Heit (Terri), Jeff Heit (Cathy) and Mark Heit (Shane); son-in-law, Pat Meikel; grandchildren, Audrey Campbell (Seth), Phillip Meikel (Tammy), Alex Meikel, Arianna Meikel, Katie Heit Lawal (Dolapo), Paul Heit, Emma Heit, Ellie Heit, Josh Heit, Jake Heit (Ellee), Riley Heit, Henry Heit and Lucy Heit; great-grandchildren, Harry, Teddy, Sam and Charlotte Campbell and Oliver and Evelyn Meikel; and Jim’s brothers, Francis Heit (Beattie) and Bernard Heit (Donna). Jim was also preceded in death by his daughter, Annetta Heit Meikel, his granddaughter, Alaina Meikel and his sister, Mary Ann Heit. Family will greet friends for 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 6, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Church. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. The Heit family sends special thanks to Lynn Fast for her care and friendship. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

James "Jim" Heit

February 7, 1938 - January 25, 2025