James R. Heflin

QUINCY - James Russell "Russ" Heflin, 87, of the Illinois Veteran's Home in Quincy, formerly of Springfield and Bloomington, died at 2:25 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2007, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born June 15, 1920, in Dumagete, Philippine Islands, the son of the Rev. Clyde E. and Josephine D. Russell Heflin. He married Charlotte Brennan on May 11, 1943; she preceded him in death on Feb. 3, 2000. His parents and two brothers, Robert Dean and William Allen Heflin, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Heflin was a lobbyist for the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce. He was a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during World War II as a B-17 pilot in the 15th Air Force. He was a former member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge; 483rd Bomb group, where he was very involved and served as president for a year and was the editor of the group's newsletter for numerous years; and the Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

Surviving are his daughter, Diane (Arnold) Woodruff of Richmond, Va.; son, Douglas (LeAnn) Heflin of Omaha, Neb.; four grandchildren, Nathan and Russell Woodruff and Andy and Kelly Heflin; sister, Dorothy (Pete) Miracle of Willoughby, Ohio; and several cousins.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2007, at Staab Funeral Home. Services will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Staab Funeral Home, with Sandi Woodward, CLP, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2007, in Viola Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Aledo VFW.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Veteran's Home in Quincy, 1707 N. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301.