Obituary of James Hickson Heady, Sr.
James Hickson Heady Sr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on October 11, 2021. He was 83 years old.
James "Jim" was born in Peekskill New York to Herbert Gilbert and Katherine Loretta Heady on May 5, 1938.
He wed Donna R. VanTassell on September 27, 1959. They were married for 62 years until his death. Jim was a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Leaving as a Sergeant after 8 years, he stayed in Peekskill until July 1975 when he decided to move his family to Mohegan Lake, where they have remained since. He continued working in Peekskill, retiring from The Mearle Corporation after 21 years.
Jim could be found working around the garden, spending time in his workshop creating something new, or watching a good old Western.
Jim’s favorite things in the world were the simple things, his flannel shirts, time with his wife, children and grandchildren, a cup of tea, pretzel sticks, pineapple upside-down cake, and great conversations with the people he cared about.
Famous for sticking his tongue out for the family picture, he was known as the prankster in his family. All that knew him loved his playful side and the whole family knew that Dad, Uncle Jim, Grandpa would always have everyone laughing. He kept life light, but always was the strong backbone that held things together when you needed him. We will remember the twinkle that was always in his eye. He is so dearly loved and his presence will be so greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his wife Donna, his four children; James Jr., Mary, Thomas, and Donna, his 9 grandchildren; Kevin, Timothy, Tyler, Sara, Joshua, Amanda, Aimee, Julia, and Piper.
He was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren; Olivia, Violet, Liliana, Joselyn, and Mia. He will be missed by his brother and sister-in-laws and many, many nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, 6 sisters, 4 brothers, and his son, Timothy.
At his request, there will be no viewing or visitation services. He will be laid to rest in the Veteran's section at Rose Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Putnam Valley, NY with his immediate family in attendance.
God was good
In fact, he was great
He gave me life since “38”
I grew as a boy into a man
I served my country the best I could
Returned home as I should
I met my wife and had my kids
We had our struggles, but we all did
I’ve lived a life of love and passion
And gave all I had as a husband and dad
I hope I left a lasting impression
Now its time that this session end for me
I love you all, I was loved well
In front of the stairs waiting to climb,
finally to be with family of mine.
Another Marine to stand the Guard
keeping loved ones safe and out of harm.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to any of the Veteran's organizations in our local area or Disabled Veterans of America.
