James Martin Heider

LCDR James Martin Heider, Jr., USN (Ret.), 91, of Charleston and husband of Carolyn Redmond Heider, entered into eternal rest Friday, August 12, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd., Charleston. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center. The Rite of Committal will take place 12:00 Noon Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Tuesday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy., Charleston. The Rosary will be recited 6:30 PM Tuesday.

James was born on March 11, 1931 in New Orleans, LA to Elsie Hein and James M. Heider, Sr. He was the eldest of five children. After he graduated from Sacred Heart High School he joined the Navy. He served for 30 years in various sea commands and shore commands, including Vietnam. He was an enlisted man for 12 years, and in 1960 he was commissioned as an Ensign. He retired in 1978, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. He worked as an office manager for a local law firm for a few years and then did a contract stint for Global Associates in Saudi Arabia for a year.

In 1951 he married Carolyn Marie Redmond. They just recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on May 6th. They raised three children, Michael, Kenneth, and Cathy. In their retirement they enjoyed taking bus trips, cruises, and car trips traveling around the country.

James loved to read and puttering around the house. He was always working on a project of painting a room, moving the furniture around, wallpapering a border, and working in the yard. He also loved his dogs, Lady, Sasha, Sassy, and most recently, Sparky.

James was predeceased by his daughter, Cathy Heider Guffey. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his sons Michael Heider and Kenneth Heider (Eileen); three grandchildren: Kendall Heider Crosby (Chris), Kyle Heider, and Jeremiah Guffey; and one great-grandchild, Amilie “Millie” Crosby.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Organ Fund.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.