Maj. James David ""Jim"" Heintzelman (retired)

Maj. James "Jim" David Heintzelman (U.S. Air Force retired) passed away comfortably on Dec. 27, 2013, at the age of 80. Jim was born in Leavenworth, Kan., to John and Frances Heintzelman. In 1953, Jim enlisted in the Air Force where he found himself in the Air Cadet program and ultimately moved on to Officer Candidate School. It was during one of his many training postings that he met his wife to be, Patricia. They married in 1958 and over the next 11 years, he was stationed in Alabama, Oklahoma, France, Germany and California before being stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where he and Patricia ultimately retired and called Fort Walton Beach, Fla., their home. Through his 20 year Air Force career, Jim was a navigator, instructor pilot and fighter pilot. During his tour in Southeast Asia, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as an F-4 Phantom pilot.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Charles; and his wife of 52 years, Patricia. Jim is survived by his son, Mark, of Alexandria, Va.; his son, Scott and wife Robin of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Aaron and Dana of Fort Walton Beach; sister, Helen McGinty of Seneca, Kan.; sister, Delores Kennedy of Casper, Wyo.; nephews, Dan, Tom, Steve, David; and niece, Mary. In addition, he leaves many loving extended family members and friends.
A memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 110 St. Mary Ave. S.W., Fort Walton Beach, FL, at 10 a.m.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Superior Residences and Emerald Coast Hospice for the compassion and care they gave him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McLaughlinMortuary.com.