James W. Heffner

York--James W. "Jim" Heffner, Sr. died at his home on the 4th of July at the age of 85. He was the husband of Elizabeth "Betty" Heffner, to whom he was married for 40 years. Born in Fleetwood, PA on February 26, 1922, he was a son of the late Paul Heffner and Ethel Ringler Heffner Bishop. He was a 1939 graduate of Fleetwood High School. He was a Navy SeaBees Veteran of WWII, 116th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion, with three years of service in the South Pacific honorably discharged as a Shipfitter Second Class. After his military service, he attended business school and then graduated from the Eckels School of Embalming in Philadelphia. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children and their spouses, Jim Jr. and Linda Heffner, St. James City, FL, Lyne Dell and Jack Van Houtte, Newfoundland, PA, Sue and Frank Wilkin, Randy Heffner and Ernie and Laura Heffner, all of York, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He treasured his family and his work as a funeral director. He was the founder of Heffner Funeral Chapels & Crematory. Throughout his chosen profession, he led by example demonstrating an unwavering focus on integrity and compassionate service. He was a member of the Red Lion Lodge No. 649 Free and Accepted Masons, Zembo Temple, Harrisburg Consistory and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. All his life he was active in community service from Lions Club to serving on the boards of governmental authorities. He was proud of being part of establishing the Red Lion Area Ambulance Association by donating one of their first ambulances and equipment. A memorial reception and viewing will be held from 11:30 to 1:30 on Sunday, July 8th at Life Tributes by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion followed by a Masonic Service and a Life Celebration Tribute Service at 1:30. Entombment will follow at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens with military honors by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Red Lion Area Ambulance Association, 312 Horace Mann Ave, Red Lion 17356 Send Condolences at BestLifeTributes.com