Obituary of James R Heher

James R Heher, 83, passed away on September 25th, 2023 at his home in Kirkland, Washington. He was born in Philadelphia in 1940 to Joseph and Clara Heher. After a short stint in the United States Air Force, he joined the CIA, where he had a long career as a Communications Specialist, and learned five languages.

Jim met the love of his life, Leslie Fields in 1978 while stationed in Paris. She was a teacher at the International School of Paris, and he was somehow able to charm her wild spirit into marrying him in 1980. They fondly retell the story of their civil ceremony in Virginia, orchestrated by a chaplain that moved at a sloth’s pace on his typewriter, before their ceremony in Maryland shared with friends and family. They were married 43 years, and their love continues to be palpable. While having no biological children of their own, his daughter Cindy Frowick, and granddaughter Ciara Frowick meant the world to him. He never failed to show them both unconditional love.

His retirement party in 1990 continues to be retold as an extravaganza for the history books, with rounds of laughter and celebration topped with a belly dancer. In his 33 years of retirement he spent much of his time in the kitchen, mastering the art of cooking, and attempting to pass on his skill to his granddaughter. He loved his two dogs, Shamus and Mulligan, who traveled all over the country with them. In his later years, he enjoyed many afternoons in his beautiful garden, reading countless newspaper articles and writing letters to congressional leaders over global affairs.

Jim will be remembered as profoundly caring, with a dry wit always at the ready. He is survived by his loving wife Leslie, brother Joe Heher, daughter Cindy, and granddaughter Ciara. We could not have asked for a better man to be loved by, and his memory will always be with us.

His family plans to hold an intimate memorial in the summer of 2024 at their home. Please reach out with your updated contact information for more details to follow. Thank you for all of the love and support of the last several months, we could not have walked him home without it.