On Christmas Day, our beloved husband, father, music teacher and friend James Bernard Heiner passed to walk with Our Savior.
Born July 16, 1943 to Marie and Bernard “Barney” Heiner in Vallejo, CA, he is survived by his wife Jody Praklet; daughters Elisabeth Heiner and Sheri Paulo (wife Vina Wilks); and stepchildren Trisha (Daniel) Christison, Marci (Tommy) Nedialkov, and David (Jaime) Praklet. Jim loved spending time with his grandson Benjamin Heiner, and step-grandchildren Emma and Reade Christison, Zak, Owen and Connor Nedialkov, and Chase and Kenna Praklet. His beloved sister Diane Jones, her two sons, Carl (Lori) Welch, and Jimmy Welch also survive him.
In college Jim was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. It never stopped him as he courageously defied the odds of the physical symptoms of the disease, inspiring everyone to be their best.
Jim attended Santa Clara schools and graduated in 1961. After attending UCLA, he earned his master’s in music from San Jose State. There he met Linda Willis, married in 1967, and had his daughter, Elisabeth. Later he was blessed with his second daughter, Sheri who joined the family in her teens.
He taught at Livermore High School for 13 years, directing numerous choirs, musicals, and instructing music classes. In 1976 he moved to Chabot College and then Las Positas College in 1981, where he taught 30 more years. He is credited with inspiring several students to pursue careers in music and the arts. His wit and charm filled any room and he was greatly loved.
It was 22 years ago at Las Positas where Jim met his wife, Jody Praklet. They traveled internationally singing and teaching. The friendships developed in Florida, Indiana, Italy and Canada will be forever cherished.
Donations in Jim’s name made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Las Positas College Music Department, and Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore are appreciated.
