James J. Heaney

James Joseph Heaney, 76, passed away June 16, 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Elizabeth Ann (Betty) and loving family members: two sons, James Jr. (Veronica) and Patrick (Leah); brother, Raymond Jr.; sister Joyce Raterman; two Grandchildren, Lauren and Roy; and a grandson expected this October.

Jim was born December 23, 1936 to Raymond John and Genevieve Veronica (Moore) Heaney in Superior, WI. In 1945 his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he attended Judge Memorial Catholic School. He worked his way through college earning his Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. In 1959 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a Military Intelligence Specialist till his discharge as Sergeant in 1962. In 1963 he was recruited by the FBI and served his first office in Buffalo, NY. He attended Spanish language school and was assigned to New York, NY where he met and married Elizabeth Ann Michlik in 1968. Assigned to San Juan, Puerto Rico for two years he was transferred to the FBI Miami Division’s West Palm Beach Office in November 1970, where he became a resident of North Palm Beach. Upon retirement in 1987 he enjoyed further careers as a Risk Manager at Broward General Hospital and as Safety, Security Manager of St. Mary’s Hospital, West Palm Beach and Special Investigator conducting background investigations for the FBI in their BICS program through 2009. An active member of St. Clare’s and later St. Paul of the Cross Catholic churches he served as Eucharistic Minister and Usher. He was a faithful 25 year attendant and supporter of Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. He volunteered in various community organizations, was a fourth degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 4999 and was a compassionate blood donor. He loved his family, his faith, and his country. He met life with a calm and quietly humorous approach in all situations, whether screaming sergeants, angry bears, burning cars, wanted criminals, suspected spies, or crying children. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and others whose lives he touched.

Friends and family may gather at Howard - Price Funeral Home, 754 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408, on Monday, June 24, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8 PM. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St Paul of The Cross Catholic Church, 10970 State Rd A1A, North Palm Beach, on Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations may be made in memory of James Heaney to Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter, P.O. Box 22594,

West Palm Beach, FL. 33416 – or online at http://www.alz.org/seflorida/in_my_community_donate.asp