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JAMES LEONARD HEIGHTON
Born: Sep 22, 1944
Date of Passing: Dec 09, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJAMES LEONARD HEIGHTON
Passed away peacefully with his children, Tania and Bobby, at his side in British Columbia Care Centre on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the age of 79 as a result of health complications due to dementia.
Jim is survived by his son Robert (Nicole) Heighton, daughter Tania (Keith) Shannon, their mother Janet Ball, as well as Michelle Slusarchuk, Shannon Yeatman and David Jamieson. Also left to mourn are grandchildren, Liam, Maverick, Jeremy, Benjamin, Amelia and Annie, as well as his brother Brent Heighton.
Jim was predeceased by his sister Roberta and parents Bob and Dora Heighton.
Born in Vancouver September 22, 1944, Jim had an outstanding athletic career. His mother would call him for dinner when he was growing up and he would say he needed a bit more time to play. And play was what he did for his whole life.
His earliest athletic memories were when he played competitive baseball with Larry Walker’s father in BC.
Then in 1969 as a walk-on, he joined the BC Lions football club in Vancouver. One year later the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed him. As a Canadian with the Bombers he played an ‘American” position, defensive end, and went on to become a CFL West All-Star four times. He was nominated by the Bombers as a Schenley nominee on three occasions, as well as being most valuable lineman of the year for the Blue Bombers twice. After 10 years with the Bombers he joined the Tiger Cats in 1979, finishing his career with the Montreal Alouettes in 1980, 1981.
He was proud of making George Reed know who he was, scoring his CFL touchdown, making 10 fumble recoveries and one lone interception. He was inducted into the Bomber Hall of Fame in 2014.
He regretted being unable to win a Grey Cup (see Milt Stegall), however Jim achieved many championships in Baseball, Basketball, Track and Field and competed at soccer for many years. As a result, he was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Jim had large groups of friends. He took pleasure in recounting his CFL days describing antics of his teammates and opponents. As a people person, he enjoyed dealing with his customers from his days as the consummate car salesman, his little file box was never far away. And of course, there was his Assiniboine Downs group of horse track people to keep him entertained. His ranch in St. Francois was his lifeblood, spending over 50 years tending to his acreage and horses, including his favourite “GymHytan”.
Jim enjoyed a full life.
A celebration of this life is scheduled in Winnipeg, May 27, 2024. Friends Dave, Patti, Rick, Vic, Roy and Willie will enjoy sharing a few memories then. An announcement with further details will be published.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2023, Dec 23, 2023
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Jim became a best friend of all the former football players I had played against and with. He was also a Great Business associate when I ran Host Rent A Car & helped me sell lots of cards. My Sincere Condolences to all JIm's Family and Friends Wayne Shaw. - Posted by: Wayne Shaw (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2024
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My deepest condolences to Jims family and friends, Jim was an incredible and outstanding human being. He was also a good friend of my father Stan Krysanski and my family. Always keeping his mind on business and making you feel good about yourself. We did have some great times at the bars and meeting new friends. Such a big and gentle giant with a kind disposition towards others. There are so many great memories to keep in my mental storage locker. Say hi to my Mom and Dad Jim. Respectfully, Rindahl & Krysanski families. - Posted by: Daryl Robert Rindahl (Long time friend ) on: Dec 25, 2023
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My condolences to the family of Jim. I was very sorry to hear if his passing. Had many seasons of soccer playing first against Jim and then later on the same team. He was a pleasure to be friends with and just an amazing all around great person. - Posted by: Rolf Zimmer (Friend ) on: Dec 25, 2023
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My condolences to the family. Jim was larger than life and was a true competitor on and off the field. He will be missed. We sure had some great times and made some fine memories--the post game 'meetings' at Hooters were always the best. - Posted by: Court Reyda (friend--played soccer with Big Jim on a team called the Stoners) on: Dec 25, 2023
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I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, Tanya and Bobby, and glad you took care of him in the end. Your dad was a very special friend in my life, and have the fondest memories of you both and him, spending time at the farm, with our dogs, cross country skiing, fires in the ski shack, and bonfires on the river bank. If there is a heaven, I know he is going there, as was a kind and good person. Jan (Janny). - Posted by: Janice Marshall-Strong (Friend ) on: Dec 24, 2023
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My condolences to the family. Jim was larger than life and was a true competitor on and off the field. He will be missed. We sure had some great times and made some fine memories--the post game 'meetings' at Hooters were always the best. - Posted by: Court Reyda (friend--played soccer with Big Jim on a team called the Stoners) on: Dec 24, 2023
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I met Jim way back in the ‘80s by accident as I broke my wrist on him playing against him in soccer match when he fell on me during a tackle! Later played for many years with Jim outdoor and indoor during the winter. Jim would happily come to our place in Headingley with his extended chainsaw he prided himself with and gladly trim my trees which was a passion for him. We’d finish several bottles of red wine along with a lot of Bread and Charcuterie. He was a brilliant person and will be missed by the soccer community as he was still very active and playing up till only a few years ago in the Golden Masters Soccer League. Jim YNWA. Jeff & Nancy Gill Headingley. - Posted by: Jeff Gill (Friend/ Soccer /Neighbour. ) on: Dec 23, 2023
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Condolences to Jim's family and friends to which he always had lots of. I worked with him on two different occasions and he was always larger than life. Great storyteller, communicator and the old noggin was always working overtime. Not enough people out there like Jim. He will be missed! - Posted by: Don Tomac (Friend and former work associate.) on: Dec 23, 2023
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Bob, My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. - Posted by: Tom Dercola (Teacher) on: Dec 23, 2023
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I have fond memories of Jim as he was a friend of my parents, Ken and Simone Bednarz. I always thought he was larger than life! Such a lovely man. Deepest condolences to all of the family. - Posted by: Kim Bednarz (Friend) on: Dec 23, 2023
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I was a fan of Jim Heighton and the Bombers back in the days before the internet and HDTVs when a kid’s sports heroes were larger than life and to see them in person left you in slack jawed awe and wonderment. #58 was my favorite player back then, a fierce competitor whom I remember meeting at St. John’s Ravenscourt during training camp one year. Thanks for the many years of enjoyment and excitement watching you play. It was a privilege. Rest easy sir. - Posted by: Earl Toews (Fan) on: Dec 23, 2023
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My deepest condolences to the family. I wouldn’t want to miss his celebration of life, on my calendar already. Can’t wait to reconnect and give his kids a big hug. - Posted by: Debbie Sandul (Friend and neighbour ) on: Dec 23, 2023