James H. Heckman Sr.

Vassalboro, ME -- Jim lost his courageous battle with cancer on September 1, 2012. He was born on December 31, 1938 in Dayton Ohio. He was the son of Henry (Gus) and Barbara C. Heckman. He graduated from Troy High School, Troy Ohio. Jim entered the Air Force after graduation. He served his country for four years and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1961. He met his wife of 51 years, Ethel Ramsey, while stationed at Dow A.F.B. in Bangor, Maine. They were married in Orono, Maine on July 15, 1961. They were blessed with three wonderful children, James Heckman Jr., Scott Heckman and Traci Bernatchez.

Jim was a member of the JC's and a lifetime member of the Kiwanis Club, and coach of the Kiwanis youth hockey team. Jim was a well-known businessman and auctioneer in the area for many years he worked for Singer Sewing Machine, White House Appliances, Pine Tree Furniture and The Morning Sentinel. He and Ethel also owned several businesses which included, Tiny Tot Diaper Service, Heckman's Auctions and Heckman's Party Palace. Most recently Jim was an auctioneer for Acadia Auto Auctions in Richmond and Newburg, Maine as well as Southern Auto Auctions in South Windsor Connecticut. Jim was well respected by his peers and was recently inducted into the Auctioneers Hall of Fame.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Henry (Gus) and Barbara Heckman, infant sister Barbara Jean and grandsons C.J., and Lucas Heckman. He is survived by his wife Ethel, sons Jimmy and his fiancée Leora, Scott and his wife Kia, daughter Traci and her husband Kevin Bernatchez, grandsons Trevor Heckman, Kalib Bernatchez and Jacob Bernatchez, mother-in-law Ethel Ramsey, sisters-in-law Lucretia Smith , Rae Ann Oakes and her husband Peter, his surrogate daughter, personal nurse and all around good sport Jennifer Estes. He will also be missed by countless lifelong friends.

At Jims request a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday September 22nd at 1:00pm at Port City Auto Auction, 28 Port City Lane Richmond, Maine

Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral Service, 981 Forest Ave. Portland, ME. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Jim’s guestbook.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Maine State Police K9 Unit

15 Oak Grove Road

Vassalboro, Maine 04989

Messalonskee High School Hockey

Hockey Team Players Account

c/o Tom Hill

131 Messalonskee High Drive

Oakland, Maine 04963