James Dean Heyer, 54, of Poplar Grove, IL., died July 1, 2017 in Belvidere, IL. Born April 3, 1964, son of William E. and Dona (Bear) Heyer. James was a FFA farming club member at Belvidere high school where he graduated in 1981. He married his sweetheart, Lisa Fordsmand, on January 20, 2017 In Rockford, IL.

James worked in agriculture for many years as a farm hand for farmer Gary Botterman of Poplar Grove. He was a long time member of New Life Church and attended Calvary Baptist Church in Belvidere.  His interests include coloring intricate coloring books with colored pencils and gel pens. He had a passion for Nascar and truly appreciated driver, Dale Earnthardt and number 78, Martin Truex, Jr.

James is loved and missed by his mother, Dona; wife, Lisa;  daughter, Brittany Fordsmand; step daughters, Kathleen (Benjamin) Ferral and Tiffany (Juan) Portilla; brother, William C. (Patty) Heyer; sisters, Pam Hale and Linda (Jim) Ward; grand-children, Brianna Ferral, Benji Ferral, Gia Portilla and Elizabeth Portilla; and nephews and nieces, Jason Ward, Todd and Stephanie McKay, Jennifer and Michael Howard, William D. and Stephanie Heyer, Derek and Amanda Geishert, Paul Hale and Dustin Geishert.

He is preceded in death by his father, William E. Heyer; father and mother-in-law, Patricia Guz and Paul Brestin; and grandparents, Lillian Skibby and Arthur Skibby.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL., with Pastor Lashley officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m., until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family). To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.