James A. Heavens, Sr., age 87 , of Chadds Ford, PA, died January 8, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 6, 1928, Jim grew up in West Philadelphia. He attended Transfiguration grade school and West Catholic High School, graduating in 1947. He was Catholic League State Champion in the 120 high hurdles and received 8 college scholarship offers for track, including one from St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia where he enrolled. He left St. Joseph's before graduating to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he served from 1949-51 with the occupation forces stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. He loved his time in the service of his country and was proud to be a veteran. After marrying Dolly, they moved to Milmont Park and had four children. Jim worked as a letter carrier at the Folsom Post Office. To support his family, he worked several part-time jobs, including PIAA baseball umpire and football official, bartender and weekend newspaper delivery driver for the Philadelphia Bulletin. His children often marveled at their father's work ethic as a young man, because they found it difficult to get him out of the recliner in his retirement. Jim also volunteered as an Ambulance and Fire Truck driver for the Milmont Park Fire Department, as well as a church usher at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Upon his appointment as a U.S. Postal Inspector, Jim and Dolly moved their family to Woburn, MA, in 1967 for his first assignment in Boston. They returned to the Philadelphia area in 1971, settling in Boothwyn, PA. Jim finished his career as a U.S. Postal Inspector, retiring from the Philadelphia division in 1986. Jim and Dolly were founding members of the St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Boothwyn, PA, where Jim served as a volunteer lector for many years. Despite his professional success and active community involvement, Jim always said that his greatest success and fulfillment in life was marrying Dolly and having his four children. Having not completed his college education at St. Joseph's, Jim spoke of his regret and stressed the importance of education to his children. He was proud of the fact that his children went on to obtain college degrees and post-graduate degrees. Like him, Jim's children and grandchildren were active in organized sports throughout their early lives, with Jim attending events, often shouting words of encouragement to them and words of criticism to officials. Jim was a good man by example, welcoming Dolly's father, Harry McDevitt, Sr., into their home soon after marriage, where Mr. McDevitt lived until his death in 1979. Harry and Jim sometimes sparred over child rearing, with Jim being the disciplinarian and Harry believing the children should always be excused even if they burned down the house. Jim was a generous man who was known for big tips and was often chastised by Dolly who thought tips should reflect depression-era economics. Jim was a great cook, known for excellent New England clam chowder and Easter Eggs that were enjoyed by his family and friends. A true Philadelphian, Jim believed that all things good came from Philadelphia, including soft pretzels (only with mustard), cheese steaks, scrapple (Habbersett only) and Tastykakes (Krimpets). Jim was a typical cynical Philadelphia sports fan, always loving the home team, but believing that they would blow the game late, despite a huge lead. The family wishes to thank everyone who came to visit Jim in his final days and Crozer Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

He was the husband of the late Eleanor "Dolly" (McDevitt) Heavens (1928-2002), son of the late George John and Theresa (Walsh) Heavens, brother of the late Theresa "Tess" Heavens and Mary "Mame" Goodbody.

SURVIVORS: children: James, Jr. (Sharon), Wilmington, DE, Daniel (Terri), Garnet Valley, PA, Eleanor Short (Patrick), Chadds Ford, PA, with whom he made his home, Christopher (Ann), Wilmington, DE; sister: Gerri Meagher; brother-in-law: James L. Goodbody; grandchildren: Aericka, Juston, Meredith, Courtney, Allyson, Tess and Orion; great grandchildren: Morwen and Finnegan.

VISITATION: Wednesday from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home Ltd., 5980 Chichester Ave, Aston, PA and Thursday from 9:00 - 9:45 am at St. John Fisher Church, 4225 Chichester Ave., Boothwyn. FUNERAL MASS: Thursday at 10:00 am at St. John Fisher Church. BURIAL: St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery, Glen Mills. In Lieu of Flowers: the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Jim's name to the Salvation Army, St. Jude's Hospital for Children, or the charity of your choice. Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com.

Service Location St. John Fisher Church Get Directions

Begins: Jan 14, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am

4225 Chichester Ave. Boothwyn, PA 19061 Cemetery Location St. Thomas The Apostle Cemetery Get Directions

Jan 14, 2016 11:30am - 11:45am

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Condolences