James (Jim) L. Heflin (age 83) went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2017 at Timbercrest Healthcare in North Manchester, Indiana.
Jim was born to Lavon, (Pat) Heflin and Louinda Shultz on December 28, 1933 in rural Tipton, County, Indiana. Jim graduated from Windfall High School in Tipton County where he made a name for himself with his basketball ability. Jim married the former Loretta Loyd of Elwood, Indiana and celebrated 62 years together on October 20, 2016. Jim served in the U.S. Army from August 1954 to July 1956. He was stationed at Baumholder, Germany where Loretta joined him for 15 months. They were able to travel to different European countries during that time.
After his time in the service, Jim began farming with his father and brother, Max. After farming, Jim took his little family to Swayzee, Indiana and worked full time for Delco Electronics. He worked several different jobs working up from being on the production line to driving a tow motor which was his favorite job of his career at Delco. All of the children were educated in the Swayzee Elementary and then on to Oak Hill for Jr. High and High School. The clock was ticking towards Jim’s retirement.
Jim retired from Delco Electronics Kokomo, in January of 1991 after 37 years. Jim and Loretta had a home on Long Lake near North Manchester, Indiana where Jim quickly learned to enjoy fishing and sometimes just drowning worms; he knew how to relax. He loved all sports and devoured the sports section in the newspaper every day but remained partial to basketball. He and his two oldest children Scott and Laura enjoyed testing one another on who remembered by gone and present sports figures and stats the best.
Jim is survived by his wife, Loretta two oldest children, James Scott, (Trina), and Laura Ellen Cole,(
Robert) Jim and Loretta’s youngest daughter, Jill Ann Heflin passed away on September 13, 1991 at age 27. Jim has three living grandchildren, Zachary Scott Heflin, Hannah Lynn Cole and Paige Elizabeth Cole, two deceased grandchildren, Emily Lara Cole and Caleb James Cole.
Calling will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 at Timbercrest Senior Living Facility, Chapel at 2201 East St. North Manchester, IN. Service will be at 2:00 pm at Timbercrest Chapel.
Kathi says
Dearest Loretta, My heart is breaking with and for yours. David and I send our prayers and love to the you, and to your entire family.
Fran Stapleton says
Loretta, my prayers are with you on your loss. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you.
Julie Tussey says
Praying for God’s strength to help you through this difficult time. Praying for His comfort to surround you and your family as you grieve the loss of this magnificent husband, father, and grandfather. Praying for His peace to overcome you in the knowledge that Jim is no longer suffering, but has a new eternal body with his Savior in Heaven. You’ve experienced so much loss, but losing your sweetheart will not be the same. We’re here if you need us and you’re always in our prayers!
-Julie Tussey (LifeBridge Senior Program Parkview Wabash Hospital)
Donna Helm says
Loretta, I know God is holding you in his arms, comforting you and giving you peace.