James A. "Jim" Heppner's Obituary
James A. “Jim” Heppner, age 89 of Batesville, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 28, 2025, with his family by his side. Born October 29, 1935, in Franklin County Indiana, he is the son of August and Loretta (Nee: Lampe) Heppner.
Jim was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #1461.
Born and raised in the close-knit community of Oldenburg, Jim's roots ran deep within the town he always called home.
In 1958, Jim answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army. His dedication led to the distinguished honor of being selected for the honor guard in Washington D.C., where at times he headed the ceremonial division. Upon returning to civilian life, Jim devoted his professional career to the Batesville Casket Company for 49 years. He ended his tenure as a Quality Control Engineer before retirement in 2001.
Fate intervened through a close friendship with Paul Dietz. This connection blossomed into a loving relationship with Paul's sister, Mary Jo (Dietz). Jim and Mary Jo were united in marriage on September 7, 1963.
A passionate card player, especially fond of a lively game of 31, Jim also found joy on the golf course and in the tranquility of the mountains, often accompanied by a good glass of gin. He was a devoted fan of the Bulldogs, Reds, and Bengals, but his greatest joy came from supporting his grandchildren, traveling as far as Tennessee to attend their events. Jim's love for classic Country music provided a soundtrack to his life, which was always enriched by the presence of family, especially during holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners around a full table.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jo of Batesville; sons and daughters-in-law Eric and Sarah Heppner of Oldenburg and Brett and Jennifer Heppner of Maryville, Tennessee; grandchildren Claire (Connor) Kelley, Ellen, Grace, Sally, Mary Kate, Caroline, and Will Heppner; great grandchildren Magdalena and Otto Kelley; sister-in-law Charlotte Heppner of Oldenburg.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Heppner and brothers Rev. Sylvester Heppner OFM, Albert, Gerald, and Martin Heppner.
Visitation will be on Monday, May 5th, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldenburg, with Fr. John Barker OFM officiating. The burial will be at the Holy Family Cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Church or the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice.
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