James P. Heaney, 94, of Pageland, SC, died peacefully on the evening of May 4, 2020, at Carrington Place Rehab and Living Center, Matthews, NC.
A graduate of Saint Peter's Prep and Fordham University, he retired as District Supervisor of the Metropolitan E.S. District, after more than 20 years' service to the New Jersey Department of Labor. Jim appeared twice weekly, giving labor and industry updates on Midday Live with Bill Boggs on WNEW-TV (now WNYW) New York from the mid to late 1970s. Prior to his time with the State of New Jersey, he worked for CBS television in operations for the live television productions, Playhouse 90, Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, Queen for a Day, and the iconic American variety hour, The Ed Sullivan Show, at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
Jim served in the Army Air Force in the European Theatre in World War II. He retired from the Air Force Reserves after 30 years, proud to wear the gold oak leaves with his rank as Major.
Known for his quick wit, quirky sense of humor, and his distinctive voice, Jim was a much sought after actor in community theater cast in lead roles for productions of Death of a Salesman, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, That Championship Season, Da, Annie, and Life with Father. He also enjoyed a stint in the cult cable classic Muddy Waters in the role of Dr. Norman Heartrind, M.D. Other credits include voiceovers and industrial films for AT&T, and the historical outdoor drama, Listen and Remember.
Preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Joan, and brother Michael, Jim loved his family. He is survived by his children, Patricia (Robert) Hendrickson, Nancy (Jeffrey) Lunsford, James Joseph (Molly) Heaney, Grandchildren Jocelyn, Robert, Frank, Ben, and great-granddaughter, Savannah, and many nieces and nephews, friends and caregivers at Carrington Place.
A memorial service for Major James P. Heaney will be held in the National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC for Federal, State, and foreign dignitaries. No date has been set.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ and Saint Peter's Prep https://spprep.org/supporting-prep/ways-of-giving/. Cemetery Details
Beaufort National Cemetery
1601 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
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