James "JJ" Hein

James J. Hein, “JJ” died peacefully at the Carle Foundation Hospital on his 54th wedding anniversary to Patricia (Carey) October 2, 2019. 

JJ was born in Danville, IL on August 9, 1935, the son of Jack (Beanie) and Mildred (Dowling) Hein. He graduated from Holy Family and Schlarman High school. He was a strong Catholic and sent his four children to Schlarman High School as well. 

After high school, he enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Hawaii. He enjoyed sharing stories of his enlistment, particularly that Hawaii became our 50th state during the time he was stationed there. He had fond memories of Hawaii and returned with his wife Pattie for their 30th wedding anniversary. 

He leaves behind his wife Pattie of 54 years; three daughters Michelle (Michael), Jamie, and Jennifer (Phil); one son Mark (Brandy); two grandchildren Addison and Kolton, and several grand puppies Lucas and Beckham, Murphy and Mazy, and Sophie. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Jackie and brother Jeri, his two nephews Jac and Jay and his parents Mildred Dowling and Jack (Beanie) Hein.  

JJ and his wife Pattie were avid sports fans and loved the Illini, Notre Dame, the Bears and especially the Chicago Cubs.  He was thrilled to see the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.  He enjoyed the games best when paired with a Bud Light and smoking or chewing his cigar. 

He loved the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween, and enjoyed lifting the spirits of Danville residents with his holiday inflatables each year.  He also loved dogs, especially the late Rocky Hein and his current fur son, Wrigley Hein. 

He was a hard worker and was proud of his role in the union and his near perfect attendance at Hyster for 46 years. He also was involved in the Knights of Columbus and served as treasurer of this organization as well.

JJ was the rock of his family and will be dearly missed. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St Paul’s Catholic Church, 1303 Walnut Street Danville, IL with Father Bowan Schmitt officiating.  Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, October 7, 2019 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL with a Rosary Service at 10:30 AM before departing in procession for Mass.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Paul’s Catholic Church, Schlarman Academy or the Danville Humane Society.

Please join James’ family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .          

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.