James Heady

A proud wearer of the green and gold has crossed the eternal goal line. James Heady died peacefully on Tuesday, March 26 in Albany, Ohio, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 65.
Jim was born in Sheltering Arms Hospital in Athens, Ohio. His parents were Vera and James Robert Heady. Jim was a 1976 graduate of Athens High School.
A natural athlete, Jim's early life revolved around sports. Beginning in elementary school, Jim excelled in baseball, basketball and football. His natural ability, combined with his dedication and enthusiasm, made him a favorite of his
teammates and coaches.  He also played in the youth ice hockey league in Athens. Some of the league's matches were played in between periods of the Ohio University hockey team's games. During those contests, Jim and his elementary school friends staged mock fistfights, to the delight of the rowdy college crowd. At Athens High School, Jim earned multiple letters in baseball, basketball and football. 
In addition to his athletic ability, Jim was gifted with superior intelligence. He never flaunted his intellect, although it was obvious to all who knew him. Even as a youngster, he was a voracious reader. While his childhood friends were reading comic books and children's novels, Jim was devouring William Shirer's histories of the Second World War, and committing much of the information to memory.
Following high school, Jim was employed by the Tennessee Gas facility in Albany, Ohio. After his children were grown, however, he felt the allure of the open road. He then spent many years as a long-haul trucker, during which he always kept the shiny side up and the greasy side down. Jim was most recently employed by Oakley Transport, of Lake Wales, Florida.
Despite his nomadic lifestyle, Jim maintained a number of long-term friendships, including some dating back to his days as a student at Rufus Putnam Elementary School in Athens. 
While rolling across the country, Jim would keep in touch with family and friends via electronic media, and posted entertaining accounts of his experiences on Facebook for his many followers.
A warm and caring individual, Jim kept in touch even with the parents of some of his close friends. His occasional visits with the parents were always appreciated. Marj Stone, mother of Jim's friend Rick Stone, recalled that after a visit from Jim, another mom remarked to her that, "I may be an old woman, but I still know a good-looking man when I see one."
Jim's love of travel extended beyond America's borders. During his times away from the road, he visited Australia, London and Ireland. No matter where in the world he was, Jim carried his love for his children with him. Jim was an amazing father, and his children knew they always had his unconditional love and support. 
He was a lover of music, food, family - and you were sure to get a good laugh if he was around.  Jim almost always had a big smile that seemed contagious, and his bright blue eyes shined right along with his grin. 
Although not an original quote of Jim's, he would often say "we're here for a good time, not a long time". Nobody is happy all of the time, but for most of his life, Jim lived by that philosophy. He wanted his family, friends, and all he interacted with to have a good time - and he did well to make that happen.
The youngest of four siblings, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brother and best friend, Robert.
He is survived by sister Susan Lynn (Steve) Shafer of Nelsonville, brother Samuel Curtis (Rebecca) Heady of Union, daughter Jaime Heady, son Jeremy (Jenny) Heady, and daughter Lindsey Heady. He is also survived by granddaughters Sunny and Hadley Heady, grandsons Jaimeson and Caden Heady, four nieces, one nephew, and former wife Debbie Essman, who opened her home to Jim in his final days. Also left to cherish his memory are his numerous friends and former teammates.
As a star athlete, proud father, grandfather and uncle, world traveler, raconteur, and knight of the road, Jim's was a life worth celebrating. The family will hold a celebration at a later date. Please feel welcomed to sign his online guestbook at hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.