Mr. James Jay Heffelfinger

Mr. James Jay Heffelfinger, 68, of Columbia passed away August 12, 2023. Born on September 10, 1954, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, he is the son of the late Rodman Wandermaker Heffelfinger and Charlotte Armstrong Heffelfinger. Jim was the loving husband of over 40 years to his wife, Sang Nam Chong Heffelfinger.
Jim was a proud member of the United States Army where he served for 21 years until his retirement in 1996. After retirement from military service, he was employed in a civilian capacity on military bases in Korea and the United States. Jim was an active member of his local VFW Post. Prior to his mobility decline, he loved collecting and repairing antique cars and riding his Harley almost daily. Jim and Sang moved to the Windsor Lake community in 2013 where Jim immediately made the rounds in his motorized chair introducing himself and getting to know all his neighbors. Roaming the neighborhood while picking up any trash he came upon and saying hello to everyone he encountered became Jim's daily habit, and it was a habit he continued up to the day of his passing.
Jim will forever be remembered for his vibrant, humorous personality that could light up a room. His devotion for God and his family will never be forgotten.
In addition to his wife, Sang Heffelfinger, Jim is survived by his children, James Heffelfinger, Jr. (Tess), Christopher Heffelfinger (Christy), Shawn Heffelfinger Martin, and Adam Heffelfinger (Jenny); grandchildren, Ashley, Tristan, Joe, Chase, Sam, and Hayley; two great grandchildren, and many loving extended family members. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers Butch Armstrong and Rodman Heffelfinger, Jr.
The funeral service for Mr. Heffelfinger will be held at 10 o'clock on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, 29223. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The committal will take place following the service at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the Heffelfinger family.