Prominent businessman, philanthropist and esteemed community leader, Mr. James W. Heyde, 80, passed away at 6:32 p.m. on April 30, 2014. He was in the presence of his loving family at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne. On July 8, 1933, James W. Heyde was born in Bremen to Forest Russell and Esther Knox Heyde. In 1951, Jim graduated from Rochester High School. In pursuit of his dream to professionalize himself in the business world he attended Indiana University and graduated in 1955 from I.U's Kelley School of business with a bachelor's degree. In Rochester's Grace United Methodist Church, on August 29, 1954, Jim and Lalla J. Boswell were united in marriage by Dr. Humbert, President of DePauw University. Their union of over 55 years produced three sons, Edwin, David and Robert. When patriotism beckoned, Jim answered the call by serving our country for two years with the United States Navy. As a chief principal of the McMahan - O'Connor Road Construction Company, Mr. Heyde's career spanned over four decades, retiring as president in 1992. He began work for McMahan Construction Company and in 1972 McMahan acquired the J.C. O'Connor Company. During Jim's tenure his professional memberships included the Indiana Constructors Association. He was credited as a founding member of the Indiana Concrete Pavement Association. Mr. Heyde assumed many integral roles with the Asphalt Pavement Association. A vibrant community leader, Jim was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church for over sixty years serving at many vital capacities. He was a founder and a charter member of the Rochester Jaycees, member and past president of the Rochester-Lake Manitou Chamber of Commerce. In 2000 Jim was the recipient of the coveted Community Service Award bestowed by the chamber. As a member of the Fulton County Aviation Board, he was instrumental with many improvements and expansion of our airport, allowing jet travel and the addition of Samaritan. Mr. Heyde served as chairman of the Fulton County Library's Arboretum Board, instituting and showcasing many native species, along with some unique varieties of trees, allowing our community an outdoor learning lab and lending natural aesthetic beauty to our city. For a number of years, Jim served as Fulton County's G.O.P. as county chairman beginning his stint at age 31. More recently Mr. Heyde spearheaded the philanthropic giving by visiting businesses and individuals to secure funds and insuring success for the Compassionate Health Care, Rochester Learning Center and upgrading Woodlawn Hospital's ER waiting area. An ambassador for our town, his love for our community reverberates through his actions over the decades, making Rochester a better place to live and grow. Not only was Jim a grass roots community leader, but he held a variety of influential positions at the state level. Honored for his accomplishments, efforts and successes in Indiana, Jim was appointed by four different governors with the prestigious award as Sagamore of the Wabash. He served the Republican party at many principal capacities including state finance chairman. Jim was a board member of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Department of Natural Resources. From 1978 - 2006 he served Indiana on the State Police Board, numerous years as president. He also served trustee and non-resident vice president for the Indiana Society of Chicago. Mr. Heyde's memberships include Mizpah Shrine of Ft. Wayne, Scottish Rite of South Bend and Rochester's Masonic Lodge. As the patriarch of the Heyde family, known as Dad by his trio of sons and Grand-Dad by his six grandchildren, with great pride he oversaw three generations. Jim served as a wonderful role model emulating all aspects of fatherhood. Many of the best memories were spent with family visits to Florida for fun in the sun on spring break. Paramount of the greatest memories are the many adventures the family shared when they congregated at Gawaukee, (Indian name for family lands) a wildlife habitat that Jim envisioned and later created for his grandchildren and future generations so they could experience Indiana wildlife. Jim is survived by three sons: Edwin Heyde and companion Jill Gemmer of Fort Wayne; David Heyde and wife Alison of Rochester; Robert Heyde of Rochester; six grandchildren: E. Philip Heyde of St. Paul, MN, Randall Heyde of Libertyville, IL, Mason D. Heyde of Indianapolis, Caroline Heyde of Chicago, IL, Blake and Alec Heyde of Mt. Prospect, IL; a brother, Jay A. Heyde and wife Bev of Rochester; and a sister-in-law Patty Heyde of Warsaw. Preceding Jim in death are his parents, beloved wife Lalla on April 26, 2010, and brother Dr. Russell L. Heyde DDS. Rev. Maurice Grindle will officiate services. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Navy Honors Team. Click Here To Visit Our Gift Shop, "Tributes and Treasures"