James Carter Heitmeyer, lovingly known as “Jim,” 103, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026.
Jim was born on September 20, 1922, in Holliday, Missouri, to Arthur and Virginia Heitmeyer. He graduated from Holliday High School in 1940 and went on to attend the University of Missouri, where he was a proud member of the livestock judging team and Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity. He later earned his master’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Missouri in 1962.
A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Jim served his country during World War II in the Army Air Forces. During his service, his plane was shot down on a bombing mission-an experience that reflected his courage and resilience.
On January 7, 1946, Jim married the love of his life, Helen Matteson. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.
Jim dedicated his professional life to agriculture and service. He worked with the University of Missouri Extension Service as a livestock agent and later as a county director, helping farmers and strengthening rural communities. In addition, he was co-owner and manager of the Feed Store in Carrollton.
A lifelong farmer, Jim raised Angus cattle, sheep, turkeys, and chickens. He found great joy in working the land, and some of his happiest moments were spent alongside his children and grandchildren on the farm. He was an avid quail and pheasant hunter and enjoyed time outdoors.
Jim was deeply committed to his community. He was a faithful member of the Carrollton United Methodist Church, a lifelong member of the Lions Club, and a devoted supporter of 4-H. He started Rural Young Adults RAO, a social club where the members would come together to build a shelter house and plant trees in the local park, they also put on a program once a month for several years. He served on the Carrollton school board, Carroll County Memorial Hospital board, and the county fair board, and he also served as a judge at the Missouri State Fair. Jim’s love of sports led him to referee basketball games and even serve as an umpire at the Little League World Series. Jim was an avid Missouri Tiger fan, often showing support for the Tigers in the crowd at football and basketball games.
He enjoyed fellowship and friendly competition, especially when playing Poker and Pitch with friends and family.
Jim is survived by his brother, Bob Heitmeyer; his sisters-in-law, Betty Heitmeyer and Wanda Matteson; and his four children: Lawrence Heitmeyer (Jeanne) of Tallahassee, Florida; Susan McCombs of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Carter Heitmeyer (Kathy) of Centerville, Iowa; and Ann Shannon (Wayne) of Columbia, Missouri.
He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Nathan McCombs (Kim) of Olathe, Kansas; Angela Ayers (Warren) of Covington, Georgia; Emily Cooper (Chris) of Kansas City, Missouri; Rich Heitmeyer (Lauren) of Tallahassee, Florida; Tara Terrones (Faustino) of Centerville, Iowa; Tonya Ward of Centerville, Iowa; and Clint Shannon (Kile) of Columbia, Missouri.
His legacy continues through his fourteen great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Ashton, and Noah McCombs; Trent and Layne Ayers; Jack and Max Valdez; Haley and Landon Heitmeyer; Faustino, Samuel, and Brinley Terrones; and Finn and Oliver Ward. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Helen; three sisters; three brothers; his grandson, Chris Shannon; his son in law James “Jim” McCombs and his great-grandson, Eli Ward.
Jim will be remembered as a man of integrity, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He was a role model to many and leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and love that will not be forgotten.
Visitation will be held at the Carrollton United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026. A graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carrollton at 12:30 p.m.
Memorials are asked to the Carrollton United Methodist Church or to the family which will be directed to a scholarship fund in Jim’s honor.
Arrangements Entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Carrollton, www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
