James Heller

James Franklin Heller, 71, of Neenah, Wisconsin, passed away of natural causes on September 9, 2026.

Jim was born on January 23, 1955, in Neenah, Wisconsin, to Harry and Ruth (Pomerenka) Heller. He attended Trinity Lutheran School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School, where his love of sports began to take shape.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jim especially loved baseball and football. He was known for welcoming the entire neighborhood into his home to watch football games, sharing his passion for the sport with family, friends, and neighbors. His love of baseball continued throughout his life, and he remained a devoted Milwaukee Braves fan even after the team moved to Atlanta. His unwavering loyalty to the Braves was a reflection of the loyalty he carried into every aspect of his life to his friends, family, work, and passions.

In his adulthood, Jim spent many summer days playing in local softball leagues, a pastime he thoroughly enjoyed as well as his weekly meet ups with his childhood friend and neighbor Dave Zernicke. Jim also especially valued getting together regularly with his cousins, Jonathan and Kevin.

Above all, Jim will be remembered for his incredible loyalty. Whether it was his work, his cousins, his friends, or his community, he was someone who stood by the people and things he cared about. His dedication, friendship, and love for those around him made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His dedication was obvious through his career after working for 40+ years at what is formerly known as Central Paper of Menasha, now known as Intertape Polymer Group.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of sharing in his life. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the games watched together, and the many friendships he cherished throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his extended family, including numerous cousins, as well as many friends, in-laws, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Trinity Lutheran Church of Neenah, 407 Oak Street, Neenah, WI.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday October 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W Doty Ave, Neenah, WI. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service. Services will be officiated by Rev. Tony McKenzie. Jim will be laid to rest with his parents at Oak Hill Cemetery of Neenah, WI immediately following the service.