Charles James “Jim” Heffley, age 85, longtime resident of Willard, Ohio passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Embassy Nursing Home in Willard. He was born on January 31, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Charles and Alice Heffley.
Jim worked for and retired from the CSX Railroad after 44 years of dedication to his career. He was also a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard. An avid sports fan who cheered on many teams, Jim lived and breathed for the 12 weeks in the fall when The Ohio State University football team would be playing. While his job and sports were two main joys in his life, being a loving husband and father were his most prestigious titles.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sandra (McKee) Heffley; two sons, John Heffley (Amanda Rose) and Chris (Heidi) Heffley; and two grandchildren, Tyler Heffley and Jersey Heffley.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his stepmother, Anna Heffley; and brother, John Heffley.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Jim’s funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Father Eric Mueller officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Willard. Memorial contributions can be made to Buckeye Hospice as Jim’s family appreciates all the kindness and care they have given to their family. Online condolences can be left for his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Gary Fink - Feb 2, 2026
I knew Jim longtime . I was his mailman and enjoyed talking Jockey with him. He was a real good guy. R.I.P. Jim
Jason Kessler - Jan 28, 2026
Mrs. Heffley and Family- So sorry to read of Mr. Heffley's passing. Mr. Heffley was a great person, and I always enjoyed talking with him when I lived in Willard and the times after leaving that we crossed paths. Please accept my thoughts and prayers.
Pete & the road crew - Jan 28, 2026
Only met Mr. Heffley once, through my friend, his son Chris. But it was a fun and memorable time. A good guy. May he rest in peace, and condolences to the family.
robie pena - Jan 25, 2026
John and Chris, so sorry to hear about Puff Daddy. we had many laughs when I worked around him on the railroad. what a great guy. If anyone wants to know where he got his knickname our old friend Chuck Barrison tagged him with that.
ReNea Owens - Jan 24, 2026
I am vet sorry for your loss. A great man. Prayers to the family
Johanna Beebe - Jan 23, 2026
To the family of Jim, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I got to know him bringing Sandy to make cards at the Senior Center. He was always so friendly and up beat. He also was interested in the community working on the car shows and Model RR exhibits. May he rest in peace !
Dom Fratta - Jan 22, 2026
To a great man who loved his family, our condolences to his family!
Kelly - Jan 21, 2026
So sorry for the loss of your father.
Roger Stephens - Jan 21, 2026
So sorry for your loss Mrs. Heffley, John, Chris & family. He was a great guy that I got to know during my childhood on the East Side. He always supported the Willard sports.
Peggy M Opatken - Jan 21, 2026
Jim was always so friendly at St. Francis. May he rest in peace
Dutch & Laurie Fitzwater - Jan 21, 2026
Prayers for peace for the family! Dutch worked with Heff for many years. RIP.
Doug case - Jan 20, 2026
Sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy. He will be missed
Steve Fannin - Jan 20, 2026
So sorry for your loss me and Jim would talk for hours about baseball cards when he found out I was a collector we use to share each week what we got new it was so much fun with him reminiscing about old cards and players he will be so missed. I will be praying for the family, rest in piece Jim!!
Mary - Jan 20, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I didn't know him very well, but he was always there for Sandy. When I would see him we would talk about his many sports cards or his new car that he had for the better driving months. So sorry Sandy and family.
Jim and Sandy Blum Family - Jan 20, 2026
Sorry for your loss. Prayers. "Puff daddy" was a good guy. Chris, your dad was always proud of you and always talking good things about you when telling railroad stories. Sandy and I also served on the joint Pastoral Council with him when Willard and Plymouth where twinned parishes and it was enjoyable that "Puff Daddy" was proud of being a Catholic and willing to help his Parish and to be active in the community. Prayers.
Tom Dupee - Jan 20, 2026
I always liked Jim. He was good natured and competent. I will miss him. Condolences to friends and family.
Bill Goodsite - Jan 20, 2026
So long Puff Daddy it was great working with you all those years, we had a lot of fun back then 😎
Janene Reiderman - Jan 20, 2026
John and Chris, I am so sorry to hear this about your Dad. I remember him always cheering for you at the high school football games. He was your biggest fan! May all of these wonderful memories give you comfort during this time. What a wonderful soul heaven has gained.
Ron and Cheryl Kessler - Jan 20, 2026
Sandy, John and Chris.. Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful man who always had time to talk. He loved sports and family and these subjects were always part of any conversation we had with Jim. May God comfort you.
Karen E Mills - Jan 20, 2026
I was Jim’s next door neighbor for over 28 years ! He knew my mom & our family! He was always so happy when he was going to see a Jimmy Buffet concert ! Collected sports card’s & memorabilia! Loved going to McDonalds & talking to friend when he retired from from CSX! Loved his wife & sons! RIP Jim & may we all keep his family in our prayers 🙏🏾!
Linda Veletean - Jan 20, 2026
To all of Jim’s family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was always such a friendly man who spoke often of his family and sports. He will be missed. Keep and cherish all your memories.
- Jan 20, 2026
Jim was one of the sweetest people I had the pleasure of meeting. He always spoke of his wife and boys. But I had better be up on my sports ! Rest in God's arms Jim .
Jeff & Linda Adams - Jan 20, 2026
Sorry to hear about Jim passing, enjoyed talking sports with Jim every time we got together at McDonalds.🙏
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Jan 20, 2026
John and Chris, we are so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. We had some good times with your parents when Ned and your dad coached together. He was so proud of you both. May your many beautiful memories of your dad help you both during this sad time. Prayers to Sandy, too.
Marilyn Sands - Jan 20, 2026
Greg and I are sorry to learn of his passing. We are thinking of John and Chris at this time.
Dodie Carpenter - Jan 20, 2026
I met Jim at CSX when I drove taxi van at CSX. We became close friends and I always called him Puff, his co workers tagged him with that name . Jim was a wonderful man and a lot of fun to hang out with at work. He was very caring and a good friend . Puff is sadly miss by me and my daughter,who shares the birthday. Fly high my friend and RIP!!!
