James Lowell Heaton (88)
January 29, 2025
Canton, GA

James Lowell Heaton was born on April 16, 1936 to James Lewis and Grace Shell Heaton in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Elizabethton, TN.

A Graduate of Elizabethton High School, he attended East Tennessee State University before serving in Vietnam as a combat medic for two tours.

Jim's 27 year career in the United States Air Force, would take him all over the globe, including time spent in England. He spent 20 years at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Ms. Biloxi proved to be foundational in his life. He would raise his only son Mark and his first daughter Lisa along the waters of the bay and rivers of the coast. He spent personal time in the 1970's establishing a battered women's shelter, helping those in need. He completed his career as Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Medical Center (second largest in the Air Force), retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. A feat only accomplished by 1 percent of those enlisted.

In 1985, he married the love of his life Kelly Lee Schriefer. Shortly after being wed, Jim's career took him to Joliet, IL, where he worked as the healthcare administrator for Stateville Prison. During this time, they welcomed their first daughter Taylor Grace. Desiring to be south of the mason dixon line, Jim relocated his family to Ft. Rucker, AL. There he served as healthcare administrator and COTR for TriCare for Lyster USA Hospital. Together they were blessed with two additional daughters Jillian Laine and Kelsey Hayes.

In Enterprise AL, he spent his time as a devout parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He led RCIC curriculum, served in Adoration every Tuesday evening, and served as a 4th degree knight as well as Grand Knight for council 11480 in the Knights of Columbus.

Although a great man of many accomplishments, he was also a simple man. He found solace in the woods. An expert marksman, he enjoyed the range and hunting. He also enjoyed camping, building fires, and though he could not swim, he loved fresh and saltwater fishing. Hailing from Rocky Top, he was just as much a die-hard Roll Tide Bama fan. He was most happy spending his time surrounded by family and friends, and very fond of his Aussie Mac. His legacy of five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren brought him the most joy.


A dearly beloved man, his absence will be deeply felt by all that had the privilege to know and love him.


Jim is Survived By his wife Kelly Schriefer Heaton; his children Mark (Sara) Heaton, Lisa (Joseph) Heaton Russo, Taylor (Jeremy) Heaton Nichols, Jillian (Andrew) Heaton Henleben and Kelsey (Albert) Heaton Liu; his grandchildren Jamie (Sean) Russo DiGeorge, Joseph (Annelise) Russo, Angela (Hale) Russo Dees, Lauren (Dylan) Heaton Brekke, Chloe Heaton, Pfeiffer and Holiday Henleben, Ezra Nichols; his great-grandchildren Dominic, Julian and Adrian DiGeorge and Lucas Dees; and sisters Janice Heaton Maupin and Freida Heaton Carver, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

He is Preceded in Death by his father James Lewis Heaton, mother Grace Shell Heaton and his brothers Donald Paul and Jackson Daniel Heaton.

Funeral Mass will be on March 15th 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Enterprise, AL at 2:00pm. Luncheon reception to follow.

His Interment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA
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