James Heinle

James “Jim” Heinle, age 90, of Regan, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, in a Mandan care center.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. John Church in Hebron, ND. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at the St. John Cemetery in Hebron.

Jim was born on December 30, 1935, in Bismarck, to Edwin and Louise (Kindsvogel) Heinle. He was raised in Hebron, ND where he attended school. For more than 30 years, Jim worked as a truck driver before semi-retiring to a small farm near Regan, ND that he proudly owned and ranched for the 26 years. In addition to cattle, he owned several mules that he would take on yearly trail rides. Jim could often be seen riding the ditches by his farm on his ATV. Jim was known for speaking his mind and never pretending to be anything other than himself. Animated, honest, and undeniably stubborn at times, he lived life on his own terms and earned the respect of those who knew him.

Jim loved being outdoors tending to his animals. One unlikely companion was a stray barn cat. Though the cat never allowed Jim to get close, he faithfully made sure it had food and fresh water. Even after his health declined, one of Jim's greatest concerns was that the cat would still be cared for when he no longer could make the walk to the barn. His compassion quietly revealed the gentle heart behind his rugged exterior. Selling his cattle the day before the first snowfall in 2025, was one of the hardest decisions Jim ever made, marking the close of a chapter that had brought him tremendous pride and fulfillment.

Jim is survived by his children, Lyle Heinle of Hebron, Deborah (Don) Kates of Mandan, and Beverly Brackel of Casper, WY; six grandchildren, Christopher (Christy) Heinle of St. Cloud, MN, Derek (Darlene) Miller of Mandan, Dallas (Tina) Miller of Chicago IL, Keaton Miller of Bismarck, Adam (Chas) Schaff of Casper, WY, & Robert (Katie) Brackel of Casper, WY; 8 great grandchildren, Caden Heinle, Tyler Peabody, Edward Weisinger, Aidan Winn, Olivia Bitz, Bliss Markel, Cassius Miller, Treyton Wimber, Alden & Victoria Triplett, Judi Branson, & Isabella Brackel; sister, Kathy Schneider of Spearfish, SD; brother, Dale (Connie) Heinle of Hebron; & nieces and nephews, Justin, Jeff, Emily, Gene, Tom, Sharon, and Lori.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother-in-law, Robert Schneider; and many aunts and uncles.