James Maurice Heater

“Every man dies, but not every man truly lives.”

Jim was born March 21, 1940 in Salem, OR. The first son of Maurice Heater and Lucille (Rolow) Heater, he was later joined by brothers John and Jerry. Jim grew up on the family farm in the Union Hill area, attending Macalapin School for first grade and then Victor Point School for the rest of his elementary years. He attended Silverton Union High School, graduating in 1958. Jim was active in 4-H activities, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Eggiman. They started dating in 1957 and were married in 1961. Jim graduated from Oregon State University in 1962 and returned to the family farm. Jim and Shirley soon began their family with daughter, Joan, then son, Tim, and then daughter Amy.

After completing college, he served two terms of service in the Oregon National Guard.

In 1967 Jim began working as an Agricultural Field Consultant for First National Bank. Then he became the Executive Director for the Agri Business Council of Oregon. During this time, he was active on the Oregon Bent Grass Commission and the Oregon Strawberry Commission. Jim was instrumental in organizing the Northwest Agricultural show, held in Portland for many years, which became the largest indoor farm equipment show on the West Coast. As the Executive Director for the Oregon Association of Nurseries he organized the Far West Nursery Show, also held in Portland, which became one of the largest Nursery shows in the nation.

Jim began Silver Mountain Christmas Trees in 1968, planting 12 acres of trees. Each year he kept increasing the acreage and soon became one of the largest growers in the nation. Needing a reliable source of good quality seedlings for all the fields he was planting, he began Silver Mountain Conifer Seedling Nursery. He grew all of his own seedlings in addition to supplying many other Christmas tree growers and forestry companies.

During this time, he was active in the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association, holding many offices and serving as president. Then he became active in the National Christmas Tree Association, serving on the board and as president for two years. Jim was very interested in genetics research and had several seed orchards on his farm, which were used for research purposes. Jim served 38 years in active service with the Sublimity Fire District and then six years as a member of the Board of Directors. He also served as the general chairman of the Sublimity Harvest Festival in its early years. Jim loved antique farm equipment and was involved with several museums at Brooks Heritage Park. One of his proudest accomplishments was the restoration of a 1917 Holt combine.

Jim went to his heavenly home on March 18th, just 3 days prior to his 86th birthday, with his family at his side. His strong faith was shown in many ways throughout his life. He loved being a greeter at Silverton First Baptist Church. Jim lived his entire life on the farm that his ancestors settled in 1852. He was truly a man of the soil and felt a deep bond to his ancestral heritage.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Jerry, son in law, Robby Merrell, foster son, David Gray. Jim is survived by wife, Shirley, children: Joan Merrell, Tim (Michelle)Heater, Amy (Mike) Patrick, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Oregon Garden, Silverton, OR, April 10, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sublimity Fire District or Silverton First Baptist Church.