Joseph (JB/Jabie) was born on June 12th, 1948 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a 1966 graduate of Washington High School in Phoenix, AZ. Immediately following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1966-1970. He married his Navy buddy’s sister, Sheri Kersting, in 1967. JB graduated from Arizona State University College of Law in 1977. He was a long-standing member of the Arizona and Colorado State Bars and had a very successful career as an attorney in private practice, law firms, and as a Deputy County Attorney for Maricopa County. In 1999, he was appointed by Arizona Governor, Jane Hull, as a Judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court. JB was a well-known and respected Judge at the Superior Court until his medical retirement in 2011.
JB was an avid outdoorsman and bowhunter throughout his life. He was a long-time member of several conservation groups over the years including the Arizona Bowhunter’s Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Arizona Elk Society, and The National Wild Turkey Federation where he served as the Arizona State Chapter president in the late 80’s. He passed on his love of hunting, fishing, backpacking, birdwatching, and photography to his children. There was nothing he loved more than spending time in the woods listening to elk bugle in September. JB and his family built a cabin in Forest Lakes, AZ in 1967 that is still family owned and was among his most cherished of places.
He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sheri, of 54 years, and was a remarkable father to his three children. He was known as Papa to 12 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
JB was proceeded in death by his biological father, Joseph Saiz, who died prior to his birth, and his beloved parents Perry and Malachy Heilman.
JB is survived by his wife, Sheri, his two brothers, William Perry and Stephen; his children and their spouses, Wendy (Jason), Christopher (Maree), and Zachary (Jessica); his grandchildren, Dylan (Katie), Matthew (Cypress), Devan, Andrew, Jesse, Garrett, Jacob, Josh, Cody, Kaitlynn, Mia, and Liam; and his great-granddaughters, Zaylee and Irelynn.
JB was known by many for his compassion, fairness, friendship, and wisdom. He was, no doubt, a person who made his mark on everybody that he met. He will be dearly missed by us all.
Services for JB will be held on July 15th, 2022 at 11:00 am at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church located at 4715 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ and will be open to all.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17