PRINCETON — James J. Heider, 53, of Princeton passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, following a brief illness.

Born Sept. 20, 1966, in Oak Park to August W. and Patricia (Glover) Heider, he married Michell Rudolph on April 16, 1994, in Chicago. She survives.

He was a graduate of Proviso East High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force, having attained the rank of sergeant, where he served as security police. He worked at L.W. Schneider.

He was a member of Open Prairie United Church of Christ in Princeton, and was a Girl Scout co-leader.

Also surviving are his daughter, Heather Heider at home; his brother, William Heider of Brookfield; and his sisters, Diane (Larry) Wilkinson of Lake Havasu, Ariz., and Carole (Anthony) Smith of Countryside.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton, with military honors at 4 p.m. Services will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Karen Karczewski officiating.