Dyersville is mourning the loss of a former mayor.
Jim Heavens died unexpectedly on his way home from work on December 28th. He was 72.
Heavens served as Dyersville’s mayor for fourteen years. He was first elected in 2003 and was re-elected six times over two separate spans – serving until 2021 when he opted not to run for another term.
Heavens is remembered as a man who truly loved the Dyersville community.
Dyersville Economic Development Director Jacque Rahe says Dyersville Industries, Inc. worked in conjunction with Heavens on several major projects, including the U.S. BioEnergy ethanol plant, the 20 West Industrial Center and the Field of Dreams Movie Site, as well as the restoration and revitalization of downtown Dyersville and the Landing area. He also worked with Economic Development on a number of housing projects – supporting the new Hageman and Hermsen subdivisions, which brought growth to Dyersville, and the New Production Housing Opportunities program, which saw the construction of 24 new homes in Dyersville – giving young people in the community the opportunity to become homeowners.
Dyersville City Administrator Mick Michel says Heavens worked closely with his constituents and made sure they were heard – even during discussions about controversial topics, he wanted to hear everyone’s comments. Michel says Heavens really was a “shining light” of moving things in the right direction and making sure that projects were done to the best of its ability for the best interest of the Dyersville community.
Funeral Mass for Heavens is being held this morning at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.
photo courtesy of Kramer Funeral Home
