James A. Heelan

BRAIDWOOD—James A. Heelan, “Jim,” 60, of Braidwood, formerly Joliet, passed away Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Born Sept. 25, 1958 in Corinth, MI, he was raised and educated in Lisle. He graduated from Lisle Senior High School, and on May 7, 1983 he married Julie Anne Stahl in Joliet, where they would make their home until relocating to Braidwood. Jim worked as a supervisor for a railyard, and was a member of the Grundy County Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and looked forward to family vacations. Jim was a self-taught mechanic, who enjoyed the challenge of learning how to fix things, and spent much of his time in the garage tinkering.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Heelan, of Braidwood; his step-father, William “Hockey” Hockinson, of Northglenn, CO; two children, Jaclyn Heelan, of Joliet and Jessica Heelan, of Braidwood; one granddaughter, Harlee Annalynn Heelan; three sisters: Charlene Heelan, of Joliet; Cindy (Tim) Terrell, of Dallas, TX and Theresa (James) Ranck, of Northglenn, CO; one brother, David Heelan, of Diamond; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Walter and Patsy Stahl, of Burnt Prairie, IL; one sister-in-law, Deborah Heelan, of Gardner; one brother-in-law, Jeff (Ryan) Stahl, of Mahomet, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Hastings; his father, Junior Morelock and one niece, Felisha Heelan.
Visitation was held Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway in Coal City. Cremation rites were accorded following the visitation.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the family for their distribution.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Jim’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com
Services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.