James Andrew Heaney, III

It seems fitting that James A. Heaney, Jr., passed from this world on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2026. As a world traveler who had visited 92 countries, Jim (or Jimmy as his family called him), moved frequently as a child, which may have accounted for his restless spirit and sense of adventure that followed him into his adulthood. Jim was born on January 30, 1947, at Orange Memorial Hospital in New Jersey, the same hospital where his father and sister had been born, and he was delivered by the same doctor who had delivered 14 of his 17 first cousins. Jim was one of the first of that legendary generation of “baby boomers” destined to leave their mark on this world, and Jim certainly left his mark on this world and on all those who knew and loved him. He grew up in Northern New Jersey, Union City, Pennsylvania, and finally graduated high school in Moorestown, New Jersey, and along the way, he met lifelong friends, Mike Anthony, Ron Sorr and Urmas Talvet. Jim attended Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia where he still holds a swim record (of course it helped that they discontinued that event right after he broke the record!), and where he met another lifelong friend, Drake Dowler, and his best friend and wife of over 57 years, Mary (Maggie) Carmona Heaney. Also making an appearance in his senior year at D&E was his daughter, Wendy Heaney Lever. After graduation from college, Jim, Maggie and Jim’s parents opened the first of their restaurant businesses, Dunkin’ Donuts in Atlanta, GA. With much hard work, and after years spent fulfilling the motto “time to make the donuts”, the entire Heaney family (including daughter, son, sisters, brothers-in-laws, son-in-law, and nieces and nephews) worked together for over 34 years at multiple Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger Kings and finally, Damon’s Ribs. Jim was an active member of the Rotary Club since 1985 and was an avid scuba diver for almost 60 years. He also became a licensed pilot all in his quest to become a citizen of the world. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Maggie, his daughter, Wendy and her husband, Tony and their 2 children, Harrison and Madelyn, his son, James A. Heaney, IV (Jay), and Jay’s wife, May and their two sons, Caleb and Cullen. He is also survived by his sister, Laura Heaney Jordan, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, Jim and Ann Heaney, and his sister, Claudia Heaney Montalvo. He is survived by those who loved him dearly, who will carry forward his stories, his spirit, and his fearless approach to life. May the road rise up to meet him, may the wind be always at his back, and may he find eternal adventure in skies unending and seas without shore. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the American Kidney Association in Jim’s honor. Each year over 100,000 people die each year of kidney failure. Please also consider becoming an organ donor. Your precious gift could save the life of someone who desperately needs it.