James Edward Heffernan was born on September 29, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and attended Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, which was a boarding school for boys, graduating from this fine school in 1952. His father would drive 400 miles to watch him play football at the school. From this time to the date of his death, Jim was involved in helping others and in public service.
JIM LOVED THE USA: In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was trained in San Diego and went to fight in the Korean War for thirteen months. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in 1961, and served in Cleveland, Ohio; in Chicago, aboard the USCG Cutter (USCGC) Arundal, in Duluth, Minnesota; aboard the USCGC Woodrush; in Ketchikan, Alaska, in Search and Rescue Operations; and on Governor’s Island, in New York City, aboard the USCGC Spencer. In 1978, he retired from the Coast Guard, after serving in the military for over 24 years. Since his retirement, he has served as a volunteer for numerous Veterans Services: He was Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Department of Montana in 1995 (which he helped organize in Helena, Montana, in 1978), a representative for the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services, Commander of the American Legion, Post 2 of Lewis and Clark, representative for the Montana Veterans Affairs Cemetery Committee and later, was involved in the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard entrusted with the burying veterans at Fort Harrison and other cemeteries throughout Montana. In his later years, Jim was involved as a hospice volunteer and helped many a veteran through that difficult time. Jim has always had a compassionate ear for veterans to find out how they were doing and listening to them talk about personal matters, either by phone or visiting them in the hospital.
JIM LOVED LAW ENFORCEMENT: After his return from serving in Korea, Jim served as a police officer in Kenilworth, Wilmette, and Evanston, Illinois. During his time in the Coast Guard, he was transferred to Ketchikan in 1968 and was prominent in creating the Search and Rescue program. In 1972, he was transferred to Governor’s Island and was stationed on the USCGC Spencer, where one of his favorite memories was that of the Cadet Cruise in which several young cadets and the Spencer crew traveled to the countries of Ireland, England, Scotland and surrounding countries. After the Spencer was decommissioned, Jim became supervisor of the military Police Security Force, which he organized and then coordinated a Basic Law Enforcement Training course for newly assigned military police personnel, including law enforcement personnel from New York City. While on Governor’s Island, he also served as small arms instructor and range officer, instructing both military and civilian law enforcement personnel. After moving to Helena, Montana, in 1978, he became a sworn reserve deputy for the Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office. In 1981, he became the Police Chief in East Helena. As Chief, he started the police reserves for East Helena, along with a police training program for both regular and reserve police officers. Jim also served as a sheriff’s deputy in Phillipsburg, Montana. From 1995 to 2001, he was Sergeant at Arms for the senate during the legislative sessions in Montana. Although he unsuccessfully ran for Lewis and Clark County Sheriff, in 1994 and in 1998, he knew this was not God’s plan for him.
JIM LOVED CHILDREN: While in Alaska, he organized the Ketchikan Youth Football League. After moving to Helena, he organized a fundraiser for a young boy with heart problems. Years later, he organized a fundraiser for a young gal with severe kidney problems. Jim continued his love in helping children and the community and in 1978 he organized and ran the first Toys for Tots program in the area, delivering about 300 toys to needy children that first year. He became coordinator for this wonderful program and served in this capacity for 30 years. He was so focused, committed and dedicated that the National Toys for Tots organization honored him as National Coordinator in 2004. Although he relinquished the title of coordinator of this fine organization in early 2000, he was always involved in some capacity with this program until his death.
During his later years, Jim and JoAnne loved to travel. In 2004, they traveled to Ireland and spent three weeks enjoying the Irish culture and traditions. In 2014, they drove over 7,500 miles to various locations in the US and were able to see some unique majestic structures, museums and also had the opportunity to visit relatives and friends in the south, the east coast and in the mid-west. From 2018 to 2020, they spent a few winter months each year in Lake Havasu, Arizona, enjoying the warmer weather.
Jim loved hearing bagpipe music and Irish rebel tunes. Jim was so very proud of his Irish heritage and loved going to many Irish festivities. He enjoyed target shooting with his son Kevin and loved flying his flags daily, weather permitting. He loved his grandchildren, telling them numerous stories about his life, which they enjoyed immensely. Jim loved to say on multiple occasions: “Semper Fi” (He served in the Coast Guard, but his soul was that of a Marine.) Another famous quote of Jim’s was: “Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead” which exemplified his spirit in life. He had the most contagious laugh which made anyone feel good just listening to it.
Jim was a man with integrity, commitment and dedication to all the above mentioned activities. He was a steadfast father, loving husband and a faithful and loyal friend. While serving in Duluth, Minnesota, he met and fell in love with his future wife, JoAnne, whom he was devotedly married to for 56 years.
Jim touched and helped many people while on this earth. We will miss you terribly, Jimmy, and until we meet again, God is holding you in the palm of His hands!
Survivors include his wife, JoAnne, son Kevin and wife Dyana of Great Falls, Montana, (grandchildren Mitchell, Aiden and Kendall); daughters Kathleen, of West Seattle, Washington, Colleen O’Leary (Sean), of Burlington, Washington, (grandchildren Patrick and Ann O’Leary); sister-in-law Carol Heffernan of Glenview Illinois, nieces Patricia Rowan (Patrick) of Chevy Chase, Maryland, (Grandnieces Evie and Vivi); Mary LaPata (Chris) of Charlotte, North Carolina, (Grand nieces and nephews Dominic, Ava, Gabriella and Michael); and Jeannie McHugh (Alan) of Austin, Texas. Jim dearly missed his dad, Edward Heffernan and his brother Patrick Heffernan, who preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy or donation for Toys for Tots at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
A Viewing will be held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, followed by a Vigil/Wake at 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass is set for 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2023 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs, East Helena, followed by Burial with Military Honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A reception will be held in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke following the burial.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 24, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Friday March 24, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday March 24, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 24, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Friday March 24, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Friday March 24, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Stan Evans says
We had some great conversations on the radio over many years my friend. You’ll be greatly missed. Say hi to Cato for me.
Monique and Kevin Damuth says
Semper FI my friend. Thank you for always looking after veterans and law enforcement. I will miss you and all the laughter we shared. You touch my life and I’m so grateful for your dedication to our community and the joy you have brought to so many families by bringing Toys For Tots to Helena.
To Jo and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May all the great memories and laughs sustain you during this difficult time.
Michael Lawlor says
A life well lived.
I have good memories of working at the Montana Senate with Jim in the 1999 legislative session.
Condolences to Jim’s family.
Jeff & Linda Kindrick says
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Jack Ward says
God bless you, Marine. You are already missed. To Jo and your family may the blessings of Christ shower on you especially during this time.
George Lane says
My experiences with Jim were through the ‘Toys for Tots’ campaign. Every year he would call me to help promote his favorite cause and I always was there to make sure my photos would be published. He was a good friend and will be sorely missed. RIP,
Rick Duncan says
Jim, there will always be an open seat and a wee dram o” some fine uisge set out for you at our Robert Burns’ night gatherings. We are going to miss you, you old… character! Thanks for everything, and may you Rest in Peace!
Deziah says
OHHH, MY heart is broken.. You will be deeply missed my friend. The joy you brought to soooo Many people.. Rest Easy MARINE>>>>>
Tracie winters says
God Bless you Jim. You brought joy to so many in our community, thank you . You will be missed by so many people. 🇺🇸 Rest In Peace
wayne helfert -Buzz says
I first me Jim over 40 yrs ago- I was on the East Helena fire dept and Jim was on the police dept. We worked closely through floods and fires and became good friends. Several years ago Jim helped organize a huge benefit for my daughter who was severly injured in an atv accident. I can’t recall a time since then when Jim wasn’t involved in a fundraiser for a charity or an individual. He was the definition of community servant. Godspeed my friend and rest in peace.
Rick Ahmann says
Dear Heffernan Family – May the peace that passes all understanding be yours today as you grieve your loss. Jim was a constant in my life and not because of my friendship with Kevin, but rather because of Jim’s friendship with my grandfather. Bob Morgan and Jim Heffernan were cut from the same cloth. They had big ideas, community at heart, could communicate effectively with others and could ultimately get things done. They worked together for the benefit of Toys for Tots and Jim successfully navigated the process of getting granddad’s art work accepted by the national organization as a poster. What many folks don’t know is that this charitable action took root through prior generations of these men’s families. They gave well because they received so much. May all of the generations that come after Jim take great solace in the fact that he left this place better than he found it. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen
Kathleen Schulte says
Semper Fi to our friend, Jim.
He was always interesting and fun to be around.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians events always brought us together when we lived in Helena.
Someday we will meet again and in the meantime Jim can keep things happening in heaven!!
Janet and Dennis Sheehy says
A protector for many, a guiding light for all! A good friend to my family. You will be missed but never far from my heart! To your family I wish all the love and support you have always given. God bless my friend.
Scott Marshall says
So sad to hear about Jim’s passing. He was always one of my favorites to talk to when he would visit the VA.
Richard says
My regards Heffernan family. Semper Fi brother. I reminisce fondly on all the smoking and joking we had. Your spirit lives on in us brother.
Robin Britt says
Joanne and family– I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. When I think of Toys for Tots, I think of Jim. Wishing you comfort and hope.
Robin Britt
Glen J Cuchine says
Dear Joanne and family–I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Helena has lost a true hero in every sense of the word. May your many wonderful memories of Jim comfort you now and in the future. Peace, Glen Cuchine
Barbara A. Monaco says
Kevin and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
Barbara Monaco
Gilda Clancy says
I worked with Jim at the legislature and had many political and fun conversations with him over the past years. He would bring his ‘kilt’ catalog to work and on our break would ask my opinion about what to order. Jim was a man of integrity and cared about people. He was interesting to visit with as he lived his life to the fullest! Thank you for serving our country and all you did for us Jim!
Greg Synness says
I’ll never forget Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. I enjoyed working with Jim at the Fed. We spent several days afield hunting and exploring the mountains, Jim’s enthusiasm was contagious. He loved fishing and enjoying Montana’s beauty. My condolences you Jo and your family.
Bruce Norum says
No if ands or buts about it, the words “well done good and faithful servant” will be uttered upon Jim’s arrival to heaven.
I sadly only met Jim a couple of years ago (wish it would have been more) Jim was a mans man the kind of man that let the Love of God shine brightly through himself, and on to others. Always thinking of and serving others. My condolences to Jo and family. May the peace of our Lord be with each of you.Jim touched many of lives and I feel blessed our Lord had our paths cross. Vivat Jesus!!!
Joyce Inchauspe says
I was honored to have known Jim, and his wonderful work with Toys for Tots! Helena has lost another one of it’s finest. Rest in peace Jim
Melissa Anderson says
You were a true inspiration and one hell of a leader! Patriot to a T! Soft hearted and would give anything to help. Thank you for all your service to children with Toys for Tots. You will be greatly missed by all. Semper Fi!