Jim Heifner

James Ronald “Jim” Heifner, age 83, of Thompsonville, passed away at 10:48 a.m. Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Elder Willie Huffine officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194 and the Army National Guard, will be in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the funeral hour at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

James Ronald Heifner was born in Hamilton County, Illinois on July 17, 1938; the son of William Martin Heifner and Ida Mae (Poynor) Heifner.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving from 1961 to 1963, spending most of that time in Thailand.

He married Patricia Ann Flannigan on June 17, 1967, at Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church, and she survives. They had two children, Cynthia Ann Heifner Biggs and James Martin Heifner, both of Akin. He also leaves behind three cherished granddaughters Payeton Heifner, Harley Heifner, and Brooke Biggs. He was also blessed with one great-grandson Dramir Haskins.

Jim is survived by a sister, Darlene Roberts of Dale, Illinois; and was preceded in death by a brother Charles, who died as an infant; a sister Barbara Wyant; brothers John Heifner, and Carlton Heifner. He was very close to his siblings who lived near most of his life. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church for 47 years, where he became a Trustee and Deacon.

Jim made a living as a coal miner and working in the oil fields and construction.

He was a member of the Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194 and the Akin Masonic Lodge # 749 of Thompsonville. He was also a Caretaker and on the Board of Trustees for Brady Cemetery, and at one time Eastern Township Trustee and Republican Precinct Committeeman.

He enjoyed collecting antiques and “trading” with friends. Most of all he loved visiting with family and friends whether it was drinking coffee in Thompsonville, fellowship at his church or just at home. He will be remembered as a devoted family man and good friend to many.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jim, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Due to the Mandate issued on August 26, 2021, by Governor J.B. Pritzker, and the recent surge in Omicron cases in our region, masks are recommended to be worn at all times while inside the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.