Samuel James Hearne

April 1, 2004 - May 26, 2020

Samuel James Hearne, 16, of Leland was called home to be with the Lord on May 26, 2020. James was born on April 1, 2004, to Samuel Mitchell and Terri Lynn (Codd) Hearne. James attended St. Mary’s School and was completing the 10th grade. James lived a life of love for God and service for others. He was very sociable and loved to discuss politics and economics, and he pursued math and history with both excellence and passion. He was a 4.0 student. James was wise beyond his years. He inspired everyone with his servant’s heart and creative spirit for woodworking and ingenuity. He loved to craft projects with his Dad and Boppa, and was always looking for an opportunity to help out in a hands-on fashion. At a age 6, he even created a prayer bench for his room. In addition to academics, the great outdoors thrilled him—he was a true northern Michigan boy! One would easily find James running, sailing, or biking around the lake with his sisters and friends, and teaching the younger children of his community how to sail. He excelled in many sports including soccer, baseball, basketball, cross country, and skiing. He was a driver and a leader amongst his peers, and everyone wanted to be around him. James enjoyed traveling with his family and some of his favorite places to go were blue water sailing in the British Virgin Islands, hiking the Canadian and American Rockies, and visiting his grandparent’s farm in Salem Missouri, where he enjoyed hunting and shooting. He was an expert marksman and a true explorer. He even completed a 500 mile bike trip across Michigan with his camp friends. James was motivated and also enjoyed fort building with his friends and always took the initiative to start and finish projects with timely set goals. He aspired to become an engineer and pilot. James was an incredible young man who lived with great tenacity for the Lord and will be so greatly missed by his many family and friends. James is survived by his parents Sam and Terri, and his sisters Grace and Jacqueline. He is survived by his grandparents Mark and Donna Hearne, Dr. Jack and Mary Pat Codd, and a host of extended family. James joined his other family members in Heaven including his maternal grandma, Dorothy Codd. Visitation for friends and the public will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, from 3 pm to 5 pm. Family time will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm. A daily mass will be prayed at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be held for the family at the church on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 11 am. The public is invited to attend the memorial service on the baseball field at St. Mary’s at 12 noon. Interment will take place at 3 pm at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of James may be directed to St. Mary’s School or to Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association.