James Hebisen
James Michael Hebisen left this side of life last week after living a life enviable to the best writers of fiction. Born in South St. Louis December 1, 1945, he joined the Navy at 17 and served with Naval Intelligence in Panama in the early 1960’s. He was an ironworker and an operating engineer. He was married for nearly 25 years. He lived in Missouri, New Jersey, New York, California, and Old Mexico before ending his run back in South St. Louis. He loved music; it carried him through every step of his life. He was an enigmatic man, the type you couldn’t help liking, even if you wanted. People who knew him well and those who only briefly encountered him were struck by his generosity, kindness, intelligence, loyalty, depth of knowledge (both useful and useless), and his dry wit. He did a lot of good and some not so good. He could make anything interesting because, to him, everything was. He pushed boundaries because he liked the challenge and thought everyone else should appreciate him for it. Many did, at least some of the time. His absence leaves an impossible hole in our lives, our hearts. He was fantastic and brilliant, an idiot and a wonder. He believed the Bible and that everything tastes better cooked in bacon grease. He was short in stature, but casts a long shadow over those now missing him: Marick, Jesse, Esther, Gabriel, Josiah, Peter, and Judah, plus 10 grandchildren, three brothers, two sisters, his mother and countless friends and acquaintances who claim to be friends. We’re broken hearted, but look forward to the beauty that God will make from these ashes. We have joy in hope that we’ll see him again along with his father and so many others who have gone before him. In the meantime, we’re thankful for the song that he will forever be in our hearts.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 14 at Salem Evangelical Free Church, 2490 Pohlman Rd, Florissant, MO 63033. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FM 88.1 KDHX at www.KDHX.org. Or Foundation For His Ministry at www.ffhm.org
So sorry for your loss. Your family will remain in our prayers. We are praying that God will grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I regret that I had not seen you one last time but in distinct memory, your smile was contagious and you could capture an audience just with stories. You have passed down so much of you through your children that you will not be forgotten–Farewell and following seas—R.I.P.
My prayers are with you during this difficult. Love in Christ. Ellen
I’m so sorry for the loss of Michael to the Hebisen clan. While I haven’t seen Michael in many years, I do remember him well from our younger days when there was a Bible Study held at the Hebisen household every Friday night. Plus I remember that crazy blue station wagon that he drove back in the day. I considered him a mentor in the faith as well as a good friend. He will be greatly missed.
I don’t know who wrote this but it is the best eulogy I believe I’ve ever read. Beautiful words for a beautiful family. You’re in our prayers.
This best written obituary captured a swift and accurate look at your life. I choose to remember the best, the times with our kids, the Bible Studies together, cleaning food pickups in my driveway, home births of your children where I fainted, and more.
I remember during our days of making pick ups for the Church Food Pantry when we came across a book there about the “possible” conspiracy of the JFK assassination. It was the topic of speculation and many jokes for all the years we drove together. You were never at a loss for a good conversation.
Farewell, old friend. See you on the other side of this life.
Praying for you, Irene, and your family. What a nicely written tribute to James.
The obituary written by Joan’s daughter is absolutely beautiful (and teary). Sending sincere condolences for your loss–remember him by remembering fond memories. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
What a beautifully written tribute to Michael. I am so very sorry that he’s gone from your lives.
Mike was a really good guy. Was a good friend to me. Really a funny kind hearted guy
I will miss you Michael. Your hugs, your smile and your quick wit. I am so blessed to have seen you a month or so ago and will also remember you as my big brother. Rest in peace! Will never forget you!
Mike was a great friend to us ever since we met him more than 10 years ago. We always thought of him like an encyclopedia of sorts. His arrival to Venado was like a door opened to teach us about music, films, literature and life.
He loved life in Old Mexico, especially Victoria beer- his favorite.
He hated winter in Mexico, he escaped every year to Mazatlan and it’s beaches.
We are very sad to hear of his loss. We send our condolences to his family.
We are going to pour some mezcal and listen the Ryan Spearman CD you once sent us, Mike. RIP
Luis Avila Candelaria, Rafael Avila Candelaria, Carlos Palomares and Natalia Schillaci
My condolences to the Hebisen family. I’m so glad you were able to spend quality family time camping together last year. May fond memories like these and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 bring you peace.
Jesse and Jenny, I am so very very sorry for your loss. Your dad seemed like a character. I wish I had more words of comfort. This is beyond shitty. Big hugs and good thoughts to you and your entire family.