OREGON – James N. “Jim” Heckendorn, age 86, died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 at the Oregon Living and Rehab Center. He was born March 10, 1934 in Punxsutawney, Pa., the son of Doyle Heckendorn and Flora (Fetterman) Heckendorn.
He graduated from Punxsatawney High School. He served his country for 22 years in the U.S. Navy including the Korean War, aboard the nuclear submarine Proteus, and later as a meterorologist. He also worked for Com Ed over 22 years in Byron. Jim married Virginia L. Balle on January 27, 1991 in Oregon. He enjoyed music, the theater, traveling, working on his computer, and anything to do with electronics.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Judy London.
He is survived by his loving wife Virginia of Oregon, daughters; Lynda Gernat of Chantilly, Virginia, Alana Bell of Saluda, North Carolina, and Donna Kesler of Punxsutawney, Pa., son, Dr. Jeffrey Cates of Oregon, grandchildren; Soren Cates and Eric Cates.
Private funeral service are being held at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 South 7th Street in Oregon. Private burial will take place at the Byron Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in Jim’s name for the Parkinson’s Research foundation.
