J. Michael Heim, 63, died in his home in Greensboro, NC on Monday after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

 

     He was a member of St. John's (Hains) UCC in Wernersville.

     He was born on December 23, 1950 in Reading, PA to the late Harold and Jeanne Heim. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts from Alvernia College in 1981, and a Master of Education from Millersville University in 1999. He married Susan Ambrose in 1992 before relocating to Greensboro, NC in 1999 to take up the position as a special education teacher of behaviorally and emotionally disabled children at Mendenhall Middle School.

 

     Michael served his country and his community through 24 years in the US Army and 10 years as a member of the Borough Council in Womelsdorf, PA, where he was elected to the seat of President by his fellow members. He survived three combat assignments, one in Vietnam in 1970-71, one in Honduras in 1988 and one in Panama in 1989-90 and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for his valor. As an Army Reservist, he was a civil affairs specialist who successfully administered many foreign aid projects in the Caribbean and Central America.

     He was a 32 degree mason, and a member of Bush Hill Lodge No. 732 in Archdale, NC. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. Michael loved seeing the world and experiencing other cultures.  He and his wife travelled extensively together.

     Michael is survived by his wife, Susan, of Greensboro, NC, and his three children: Michael, of Lancaster, PA; John, of Reading, PA; and Amanda, of Bronx, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Senta Williams, and his granddaughter, Alexa.