JAMES PATRICK HEATON

James Patrick Heaton, 88, passed away on December 9, 2025, in Otis Orchards, Washington. He was born on January 27th, 1937, to Joe and Ruth Heaton. He grew up in Tekoa and attended Tekoa High School.

He married Claudia Joy Morgan on June 13th, 1954. They had four children (Doug, Jamey, Joy and Beth), 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. As a family, they all enjoyed many holidays and family gatherings in the house in Tekoa, as well as camping, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling and riding everything from horses to motorcycles. Jim enjoyed flying as a member of the Tekoa Flying Club as well as road trips in a car, pickup, motorcycle, semitruck, motorhome and even a lawn tractor. He loved this so much, that his career was largely based upon selling the very things he loved to drive.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 71 and ½ years, Claudia, his children Doug Heaton (Biljana), Jamey Fracz (Chris) and Beth Mathison (Dan Johnson), his 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bob Heaton. He is preceded in death by his daughter Joy Puckett (Scott) and his brother Gary Heaton (Salli).

Jim will be buried in the Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa, Washington. The family will be holding a "Celebration of Life" this coming spring to be announced later. Memorials can be given to the Tekoa Ambulance, the Tekoa Theatre and Spokanimal in Spokane, Washington.

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com