James F. Heflin, 71, of Edwardsburg, formerly of Kalamazoo and Constantine, passed away Jan. 2, 2010 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend after an extended battle with melanoma.

James was born May 12, 1938 in Kalamazoo, the son of Francis G. and Margaret (Maturen) Heflin. He moved to the Edwardsburg area 12 years ago from Constantine. He was married Nov. 26, 1960 in Paw Paw, Mich. to Renae Peterson, who survives.
Other survivors include his children, Molly Heflin of Chicago; Patricia Klinger of Edwardsburg; Michael Heflin of Washington D.C.; Matthew (Amy) Heflin of Edwardsburg; Frank Heflin of Portage, Mich.; and Brian (Susan) Heflin of Ft. Wayne, Ind. There are 10 loving grandchildren. He has five siblings, Mary Beth (Joe) Boyle of Minnesota; Terri O’Dell of Paw Paw; Robert (Barb) Heflin of Traverse City, Mich.; William (Bonnie) Heflin of Mendon, Mich.; and David (Carol) Heflin of Portage, Mich.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, David Klinger; an infant grandchild, Gabrielle Jane Heflin; and a brother, Tom Heflin.

James was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Edwardsburg, and the church’s Knights of Columbus. He was past-president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Constantine; former member of Constantine Rotary Club; and former clerk of Constantine Township. He enjoyed having horses for many years, and was a member of the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association and the U.S. Trotting Association. Most recently, James worked for ABC Warehouse in Mishawaka in sales.

Friends and family gathered from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 in the Social Room of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 U.S. Highway 12 East, Edwardsburg. The Mass of Resurrection will be Thursday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. at the church, with Father Joe McCormick officiating. Burial followed in Adamsville Cemetery.

A prayer service was held Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., led by the priest.

Arrangements were made by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.