James Heaton

CHARLESTON – James O. Heaton, 76, of Charleston, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

His funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Friendship Baptist Church, 18709 Harrison Street Road, Charleston, with Pastors Tom Skinner and Jamey Cohoon officiating.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church.  Memorials:  Davita Dialysis, Friendship Baptist Church, or the Coles County Animal Shelter.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.

Jim was born June 9, 1943 at Mattoon, son of Orville and Dorothy (Lashbrook) Heaton.  He married Connie J. Easter, June 12, 1982 at the Northside Baptist Church; she survives; also surviving is a son: Joe (Rachel) Heaton of Bella Vista, AR; a daughter-in-law: Tina Heaton of Kankakee, IL; four grandchildren: Sidney Heaton, Ainsley Heaton, Mitch Heaton, and Chris Heaton; and two brothers: Bob (Marlene) Heaton of Toledo and Phillip (Kay) Heaton of Neoga.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son: James Dean Heaton.

Jim retired after nearly thirty years at Wal-Mart.  He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.  Jim was a people person and never met a stranger.  He enjoyed sharing his faith and was a good listener.  Jim was a "big brother" and friend to many.  In earlier years, he and his father were avid automobile fans.