Roy J. "Jim" Heaton, 98, of Tyrone and a guest of Centre Care Rehabilitation, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024. He was born in Tyrone on January 8, 1926, the son of the late Lester Ray and Blanche (Miller) Heaton. On December 8, 1948, in Houtzdale, he married Dorothy Ann (Rynish) Heaton who survives. Also surviving are four sons: Thomas C. (Mary) of Summerville, SC, Mitchell R. (Felicia) of Alexandria, Russell L. (Robin) of Geeseytown, and David K. (Crystal) of Myrtle Beach, SC; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded by a son: Lester Heaton; two daughters: Wendy Reitz and Regina Ann McDaniel; a grandson: Matthew McDaniel; and two brothers: Ken and Jack Heaton.

Jim was a 1944 graduate of Tyrone Area High School. He served honorably in the US Navy as a radioman 2nd class during WWII on the USS Muliphen. He was present and observed the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. He learned to fly planes on the GI Bill following his service time.

He worked for Westvaco in Tyrone for 21 years before transferring to Meade Products in Alexandria where he worked as a machinist for 15 years before retiring in 1988.

He was a member of St. Matthew Church of Tyrone and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the American Legion. Jim was an avid horseman, and enjoyed building model airplanes.

An 11 am mass of Christian burial with military honors for Roy J. "Jim" Heaton will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. Matthew Catholic Church Tyrone with Father Michael Pleva officiating. Friends will be received at the church from 10 am until the time of service. Interment will be made following the mass at Oak Grove Cemetery. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to either JDRF Western and Central Pennsylvania Chapter, PO Box 5077 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1105 Cameron Ave. Tyrone, PA 16686.

Arrangements are under the care of Feller Memorial Home.