He attended Texas School of Mines (now UTEP), was graduated from University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering, and received a Master of Science in petroleum engineering from Penn State University.
Jim began his petroleum engineering career with Conoco Oil Company working in Ponca City, Oklahoma and Forth Worth, Texas and Hobbs, New Mexico. While in Ponca City, he met and married Geneva Lee Brown. After working for Conoco, he worked for several small oil companies: Monterey Oil, Parker Petroleum and Sunset International, and as an independent consultant (Heid Minerals) for many years. He served as president of the Houston Geological Society. Jim also belonged to several professional organizations including the Society of Professional Engineers.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Geneva “Ginny” and children, Linda and husband Doug Akins, Jim and wife Regina, Carol and husband Glenn Gruetzner, Susan and husband Mike Holmes. His grandchildren include Daniel Akins and his wife Sara, Anthony Akins, Laila Heid, Juliet Heid, Matthew Gruetzner, Katherine Gruetzner, Madison Gruetzner, Lindsay Holmes, Paige Holmes, Meagan Holmes, and great-grandson Peter Akins.
Jim is also survived by his brother Charles C. Heid and his wife Marguerite along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Earthman Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Cecilia’s Church, 11720 Joan of Arc, Houston, Texas. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall, with a Rite of Committal following at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.
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