James G. Heinlein – circa 1950
James G. Heinlein was born on Friday February 8, 1935 – it was the 25th Anniversary to the day that the United States Congress granted a charter to the Boy Scouts of America! Jim entered the world that day at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago to proud parents, George C. Heinlein (05/06/1905 – 12/19/1969) and Mildred J. Heinlein (nee Crothers) (04/13/1907 – 05/22/1992. The family lived on the North West side of Chicago at 4524 N. Kasson Avenue. Jim attended St. Edward’s School as a youth and has two brothers, Robert D and Donald W. George Heinlein started a heating supply business in 1951 on West Lawrence Avenue that he ran with his wife Mildred. That business continues today, and with the passing of Mr. Heinlein, Jim became its President.
Scouting came early to Jim who joined Cub Scout Pack 3904 sponsored by the St. Edward’s Holy Name Society at age nine. He has been continuous registered in scouting as a member since 1944. The Cubmaster, Mr. Wolff worked for the Chicago Surface Lines and shepherded Jim into Boy Scout Troop 904 at age 12 in 1947. Jim’s Scoutmaster was Dick Vana, who had a news stand at Elston and Lawrence, but was really a bookie. During his tenure with the troop, Jim achieved the rank of Star Scout and led the troop as its Senior Patrol leader; he was selected by his fellows as an honored camper to be inducted into the Wakay Chapter of Owasippe Lodge #7 in July 1950 at Camp Dan Beard. He like so many other Scouts took the Pere Marquette Rail Road from Chicago to Whitehall, Michigan each year. After arriving, they backpacked from town into camp. Jim sealed his membership in the Order with the Brotherhood Honor on September 13, 1952 at Owasippe through Arrowhead Chapter. While never working on camp staff, Jim has volunteered throughout the years at Camp Shin-Go-Beek and Napowan. For his lifelong commitment to Scout Camping and Cheerful Service, Jim was awarded the Vigil Honor on August 12, 1956 while a member of Keneu Chapter; he was given the name Schipinachagen – To Put Forth The Hand Willingly.
As a youth, Jim attended high school at DePaul Academy at Webster and Kenmore Streets and graduated in 1952. He then went on to attend University of Illinois at Navy Pier for 2.5 years, followed by the Illinois Institute of Technology for 2 years, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Business Administration. Jim served 2 years in the U.S. Army as a clerk in the 578th Ordinance Company DS at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. After his tenure in the Army, Jim began a life of volunteer service to Scouting, serving as the Assistant Scoutmaster, and later Scoutmaster of Troop 904 for 5 years in the Arrowhead District in the 1960’s and 1970’s. While in Indian Boundary District with Troop 979, Jim served as the Troop Committee Chair and then as the District Chairman. For his service to the District and Council he was awarded the Silver Beaver on January 25, 1986.
Jim’s first National Jamboree and perhaps the most memorable, was in 1960 at which he encountered General Dwight D. Eisenhower. While walking from his army unit (assigned to the 801st Hospital unit) to retrieve his Scout uniform, Jim had the opportunity to personally salute the General Eisenhower who was making his rounds. That evening at the campfire program, President Eisenhower addressed 50,000 Scouts, leaders, and visitors. With the din of the crowd in the background, the President asked the 14 year old Scout who was to introduce him, “How are you going to get them to quiet down?” Without missing a beat, the Scout raised his hand to the Scout sign and within seconds one could hear a pin drop. The President with an incredulous look on his face responded to the Scout, “Could you teach that to the Joint Chiefs of Staff?” Jim served on seven other National Jamboree staffs between 1985-2010, usually working on the aquatics staff.
On January 22, 1961 Jim married Marlene M. Sanders. They met at a blind date at a DePaul Basketball game. Together they share a family of four children, Linda, Susan, Edward, and Cathy. The girls all reached the rank of 1st Class in the Girl Scouts, and Edward achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Linda is married to Vigil Member Ron Kron. Given her exhaustive knowledge of Owasippe, she lends her expertise to the Council Properties Committee and keeps the logistics of the operation moving.
James G. Heinlein – circa 1985
Outside of Scouting, Jim’s opus has been swimming. As the volunteer coordinator for the BSA swimming program at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glenview, Jim has spent 44 consecutive years teaching a two-hour program each Tuesday night. The first hour is devoted to basic swimming skills, and the second to teaching Swimming and Lifesaving Merit Badges and Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.
When looking back upon his years of service to Scouting and the community, Jim encourages the youth of today to become involved in volunteer service. The world needs those who think first of others, rather than themselves. The Vigil Honor to Jim is a culmination of that life of service.
We collectively lost a great Scouter and friend on October 29, 2018 with Jim’s passing. May he and all of the Scouters who have led the way before us rest in peace with their richly deserved eternal reward.