Jesuit Brother James F. Heidrick cared for Creighton facilities – and its community

For 57 years Jesuit Brother James F. Heidrick cared for phones, locks and an array of equipment and properties at Creighton University.

But he also cared for the people there.

“Whatever his work, he was a dear colleague to so many co-workers in Creighton Facilities; a beloved presence on campus; and a treasured member of the Jesuit Community,” the Jesuits wrote in a memorial.

Brother James – more commonly called Brother Jim – was a Jesuit for 65 years.

He died Jan. 8 at the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, at age 86.

A funeral Mass was planned for 10 a.m. Feb. 28 at St. John Church at Creighton. Visitation will be before the Mass, beginning at 9 a.m.

He will be inurned at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha.

Born in Lincoln, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1960. In 1964, he was assigned to Creighton and its facilities department.

Brother James was best known for his decades-long role as campus locksmith, according to his Jesuit community. His duties also included managing the telephone system and maintaining equipment at the university’s dental clinic.

Health issues prompted him to move to the St. Camillus community in 2021.

Brother James was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Eleanor (Lane) Heidrick, and brothers Thomas, Jerry and William.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews and his fellow Jesuits.