Jim Heady loved the sky and he loved the sea, and most of all he loved his friends and family. Captain Jim continued his cosmic journey on July 20, 2021, just two days before his 76th birthday on July 22. He was an aviator, blacksmith, educator, sea captain, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. James Arthur Heady was predeceased by his parents, Clarence Reason Heady and Garnet Edithe Tredway, and his loving wife of 23 years, Joyce Corrine Kelly.
Military and Awards
Jim was a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer who supported the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam as a Casualty evacuation Dustoff pilot from July 2, 1969 to July 1, 1970 where he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” (valor), two Air Medals with “V”‘s and the Purple Heart. Jim was also eligible to wear the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze battle stars, the combat medical badge, the Army Aviator Badge, the Good Conduct Award and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device on his uniform. In addition to his lengthy career helping people as a medevac aviator, he also held a Masters Degree in Special Education and a career as a teacher, and later in life operated commercial vessel’s as a Merchant Marine Master Mariner.
Family
He is survived by four sons, James Arthur Heady, Jr. “Jay” (spouse Debbie) Novato, CA and Paul Eric Heady of Rohnert Park, CA; Eli Heady (spouse Megan, children Milo and June), Jesse Heady (spouse Jenny, children Rowan and Bettye) of Morgantown, WV; stepsons Terrence Jay Graham “TJ” (spouse Janine, children Rebecca and Abigail) of Littleton, CO and Christopher Robert Graham “Beano” (spouse Stephanie, children Joseph, Gabriella, and Jackson) of White Oak, PA; and former spouses Patricia Murphy of Rohnert Park, CA and Hilda R. Heady (spouse Dennis Zahradnik) of Morgantown, WV.
Services
A celebration of his life and remembrance will be held in St. Petersburg, FL on August 14, 2021, 10 AM to 11:30 AM at Gulfport Recreation Center pavilion number 6, 5730 Shore Boulevard South, Gulfport, FL. Light refreshments will be served. With increased spread and risk of Covid transmission, social distancing and masks are encouraged.
Jim will receive full military honors inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC on Friday, March 31st at 10:00 AM with friends and family welcome.
Special Acknowledgements
Rather than flowers, a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project is suggested.
Friends, family, and those who served with Jim are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Jim was such a good friend to me, a source of strength and true caring. And I cherish the memories of the years we spent in friendship in morgantown. I have thought of jim often through the years,
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Rest in Peace Fellow Panther – Austin High School class of 1965
Jim was my favorite cousin. He was a sweetheart!!! I have memories of some of the best times we spent together. My visits to El Paso and Florida. His visits to Dallas. Always a joy to be around and definitely “the host with the most!” Jim played a large part in our decision to move to Florida 2 years ago. We texted each other at least every other day. Based on the conversations we had over the last 6 months, I knew my sweet cousin was in so much pain. I hurt for him. I will miss him dearly; but I know he is in a better place and finally without pain. Rest In Peace my dear, sweet cousin. Joy has been waiting for you 11 years!! 👨✈️🎖🙏❤️