Jim was a lot of things to a lot of people and was loved by many. He will be missed. 
James Ernest Heckenlaible, 62 of Gold River, CA passed away in his sleep the morning of April 3, 2016. Jim was born in Lodi, CA July 2, 1953. He graduated from Lodi High School in 1971. After a few years of driving “Big Rigs” cross-country he decided to settle down, marrying his soulmate Gloria Dinsmore in 1982. Jim made the decision to return to college where he received his Bachelor Degree at Cal State Stanislaus and subsequently became a CPA. He started his accounting career with Ernst and Whinney. In 1992 he was employed by the State of California as a settlement officer, in the legal division, with the Franchise Tax Board.
He enjoyed being involved with the family vineyard business as well.
Jim loved traveling, especially to tropical destinations where he enjoyed all aspects of the ocean - including diving and sailing. Jim learned piano at a young age which fostered his passion of music.
Fun-spirited, friendly, engaging, loyal, sensitive and bit of a rascal could all be used to describe his nature. A surprise to some was his love of cats. He was intrigued with the wildness of them while, at the same time, they are house pets.
James was preceded in death by his father Ernest Heckenlaible. He is survived by his wife Gloria of 33 years, of Gold River, CA; mother Julia Heckenlaible of Lodi, brother Dwayne Heckenlaible (Vicki) and niece Ashley Heckenlaible of Lodi, CA; mother-in-law Barbara Buck of San Antonio, TX and brother in law David Dinsmore of Honolulu, HI. Jim is also survived by his rescue cats Elmo and Lenny.
SERVICES
A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 pm on Monday, April 11, 2016 at Klinkerbrick Winery 15887 N. Alpine Rd. Lodi, CA Memorials may be made to SPCA or Happy Tails www.happytails.org