James B. Heckart

Obituary of James B. Heckart

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James B. Heckart, 98, of Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, passed away at his home on Friday, August 1, 2025 in the company of his loving children. Jim was the son of Cecilia I. Powers, born in Canisteo, NY on February 5, 1927. He was raised in Canisteo and graduated from Canisteo High School. He was drafted for military service soon after graduation and served in the US Army from 1945 to 1948. On July 29, 1952, he married the former Lottie Irene Dennis in South Canisteo. They soon after made their home together on Meads Creek Road where they raised their five children. Jim and Lottie had shared 61 years together as husband and wife up to the passing of Lottie on December 2, 2013. Jim was a machinist for Corning Glass Works, retiring with 39 years of active service and received a 75 year pin in recognition of his longtime association with Corning. Jim and Lottie created a home that became the center of neighborhood activity for the young people in the area. They became the caregivers for their grandchildren while their parents tended to their various careers. Jim had been a coach in the Painted Post Little League. Jim is survived by his children and their spouses, Judy and Ron Kopczynski, Jeanne and Steve Beebe, Jacklyn and Al Reep and Jeremy (Jackie Spencer) Heckart, his grandchildren, Serena Kopczynski, Paula Kopczynski, Jessica (Brian) LeBaron, Nicholas (Sarah) Pucci, Abraham (Hayley) Heckart, Adam Heckart, Alyssa (Brandon) Fimbres, Kyle (Keri) Reep, Erin Reep, Keanan (Sydney) Heckart, Zachary Heckart, Sara Stanifird, Moses Stanifird and Eli Stanifird, his great grandchildren, Aubrie, Hanna, Taylor, Dominic, Jasper, Lainie, Owen, Jaxon and Liliana, his siblings, Mary Butterfield, Paul Powers, Eleanor Porter, Larry (Bev) Powers, Sandra Powers, Sharon Kingsley and Ruth Mayorga, his sisters-in-law, Audrey Dixon and Nathalie Dyring along with several nieces, nephews and special friends. The family would like to thank Sue Brown and Allison Merkl for their loving assistance provided with Jim's care. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Lottie, his son, James R. Heckart in October 2021, his grandsons, Robert Heckart and Paul Stanifird, his mother, Cecelia Powers, his grandmother who raised Jim, Ada Paul, his brother, William Powers, his in laws, Ida and Roy Dennis, his brothers-in-law, Richard Dyring, Lyle "Pete" Dixon, Duane Dennis, Ralph Porter, Joseph Kingsley and Cleo "Bud" Butterfield and his sisters-in-law, June Dennis, Mary Powers and Betty Powers. Friends may call on Friday, August 8 from 1 to 2 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. A memorial service will follow there at 2 pm with Rev. Mort Gridley officiating. Burial will be in Coopers Plains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Corning Meals on Wheels.