James "Jim" Sheehan

January 28, 1957 - October 13, 2019

James Daniel "Jim" Sheehan, 62, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday evening, October 13, 2019, at Stormont Vail Hospital. Jim was born in Topeka to James M. and Dorothy Lackinger Sheehan on January 28, 1957, and lived in Topeka the majority of his life. He graduated from Topeka West High School and Kaw Valley Vocational Technical School. Jim also honorably served in the United States Navy for several years. After leaving the Navy, Jim became employed by a Fire Safety company now known as Johnson Controls where he worked for over 35 years as a service repairman or inspector of fire alarms. Jim loved riding bicycles, golfing, fishing, and being with family. When he was younger, Jim participated in Bike Across Kansas several times as well as Bike Across Wisconsin. Jim was preceeded in death by his parents, his sister, Alice and young brother, Edward. Surviving him are his beloved daughter Hailey Sheehan (John Bays) and granddaughter, Ashley Bays of Arizona. Jim is also survived by two brothers and seven sisters, John Sheehan (Susan), Patrick Sheehan (Tricia), Kathleen Sheehan, Mary Eileen Fitzpatrick (Bill), Dorothy Goodman (Jim), Jeannie Macfee (Jim), Patricia Sheehan, Maureen Sheehan (Steve Andrew), and Anne Sheehan (Craig Jones); and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are members of Jim's second family, which was formed when he met Suzanne Ashlock and became the head of an ever-increasing number of family members. Surviving in this family are Suzanne “Sue”; her daughter, Sarah and (Dale Wingert), their daughters, Samantha Conley (Ryan Spencer), and Taylor Wingert-Ashlock. Samantha and Ryan have three children, Shawn, Isabella, and Ethan. It is a rowdy bunch, but Jim happily fulfilled the role of father, grandfather, and great-grandfather in this family until the day he passed. As a final act of kindness, Jim was eligible to be a transplant donor. He will be able to help people he does not even know at a time when they need help the most. Jim was a wonderfully kind, caring, compassionate, strong, self-effacing, and fun-loving guy. His sudden passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of all who loved him. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019, in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Topeka Community Cycle Project or charity of donor’s choice, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home.