James Philip Heldorfer was born July 1, 1970, in Estherville to Phil and Ann Marie (Walsh) Heldorfer. He grew up on a farm west of Bancroft, graduating from St. John’s High School in 1988. Jim was treasurer of his graduating class and held several officer positions in FFA. During high school, Jim worked for Rich Laubenthal. Jim attended Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo for one semester and then transferred to Lincoln Tech in Des Moines where he graduated at the top if his class in diesel mechanics.
Jim began his career as a mechanic in Des Moines working at Ziegler, Peterbilt, and Kenworth. Jim started his own business, Double H Enterprises in Grimes working on semi-trucks and maintaining Frito-Lay trucks. Jim moved back to Bancroft in 2000, and started working at Deitering Bros. Implement and farming with his father, Phil. In 2010, Jim started Triple H Enterprises and in 2013 his son, Justin, started working with him full time.
Jim was the father of two sons, Jon Michael and Justin. He married Jenni Heidecker on September 12, 2015 and became stepfather to Heather, Nate, and Hailey Heidecker. Jim and Jenni enjoyed attending truck shows, going out to eat, attending concerts, golf cart rides and spending time with their families, especially their seven grandchildren. Jim was looking forward to the arrival of their eighth grandchild in January 2025.
Jim was an excellent mechanic and took great pride in his work. Jim was well known in the trucking industry as the “Cat Man” and had a special knack for fixing anything Cat or Cummins. Jim made many friends in the trucking community throughout the years. He worked on many trucks from Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Jim was also known as a helper to many – whether that be fixing a semi, truck, car or tractor, moving snow or whatever else you may need help with – Jim was there for his friends and family when they needed him. Jim loved animals and will be greatly missed by his sweet dog, Beau and cat, Banx.
Jim died Tuesday, October 1, 2024 as a result of a motor vehicle accident. He was 54. Jim was a beloved husband, father, son, grandpa, brother and friend.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jenni, of Bancroft, sons, Jon Michael (Brittany) and their children, Tanner, Xohi, Parker and Olivia, stationed at the U.S. Naval Base in Guam, Justin (Becky Bormann) of Bancroft; his step children, Heather (Adam) Jones of Estherville, Nathan (Dallas) Heidecker of Lakota, Halie Heidecker of Lakota; his step grandchildren, Tucker and Brinley Heidecker and Bentley Jones. He is also survived by his parents, Phil and Ann Marie Heldorfer of Bancroft; his sister, Jackie (Brad) Sifert of Britt; his sister-in-law, Mary Heldorfer of Badger; his five nephews and nieces, Grant, Silvia and Evie Heldorfer and Sam and Anya Sifert; his brothers-in-law, Eric (Van) Johannesen of Columbia, MO, and Ryan Johannesen of San Francisco, CA, and many other relatives and friends.
Jim was proceeded in death by his grandparents, his brother Jeff, and his father-in-law Ronald Johannessen.
A Celebration of Life for Jim was held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Summit Center in Bancroft with Deacon David Penton officiating. Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft in charge of arrangements.
