Died October 12, 2022
Periodontist/Motorcyclist/Flight Instructor
Dr. James Heidere DDS of Skillman died on October 12, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old.
Jim was born in 1940 to Max and Mary Heidere in Philadelphia as the first of three children. Jim attended high school at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia and rowed on the varsity crew team in a quad that won the national championship in both 1957 and 1958. He earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania in 1962. Jim went on to earn a degree in dentistry at Temple University School of Dentistry. After graduating from dental school, he served in the Public Health Service as a dentist in both San Francisco, CA and Danbury, CT. Jim completed postgraduate work in periodontics. He worked as a periodontist for 40-plus years at the Princeton Dental Group.
Jim was an accomplished pilot and taught flight instruction at both Princeton and Robbinsville airports. He was an active member of the Delaware Valley wing of the Commemorative Air Force. He was also an avid motorcyclist and rode for many years in the Colorado 500. Jim will be remembered for his outstanding intellect, dedication to his patients, many acts of kindness to his friends and incredible laugh.
Jim was deeply committed to advancing the mission of the Sourland Conservancy in Hopewell. He provided warm friendship, long hours directing parking at the Mountain Fest, photographing, and pitching in at numerous events.
Jim is survived by and will be deeply missed by his wife, Stephanie Heidere, sister Maureen Bennett (Mark), daughters Susan Heidere (Michael Simko), Elizabeth Heidere, Katie Heidere (Scout Broadhead) as well as his grandchildren, Carter and Alex Simko. He is also survived by a niece, Marie Ford, and nephews Mark Bennett and Jeff Bennett. He was predeceased by his sister, Kathy Ford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the Parkinson’s & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMD Alliance), The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and the Sourland Conservancy.
There will be a private family burial in Princeton Cemetery. The family will host a Celebration of Life for friends and loved ones to gather and remember Jim at the Antique Barn at Cashel, 145 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough Twp., NJ 08844 on November 5 from 12 noon to 4 pm.
