Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Heffernan Obituary
Hanover, NH - James Heffernan, Professor of English Emeritus at Dartmouth College and longtime resident of Hanover, died on July 21, 2024 of metastatic prostate cancer. He was 85.
Born in 1939, and raised in the Boston suburb of Jamaica Plain. he earned his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1960 and his Ph.D. in English from Princeton in 1964, shortly before marrying Nancy Coffey of West Virginia in June.
After joining the Dartmouth English Department in the fall of 1965, he taught literature until retiring in 2004 and thereafter continued writing about it. As detailed on his website, his many books and articles ranged from studies of ancient epics to explorations of modern novels, notably James Joyce's Ulysses. He also investigated the complex relations between literature, visual art, and history.
His final book is a memoir posted on his website. Besides a searching history of Dartmouth since 1965, it includes a plea for the revival of what Dartmouth once required of all first year students: one full year of humanities courses ranging from ancient to modern texts.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Heffernan; his two children, Andrew and Virginia Heffernan; and his four grandchildren, Kate Robin Heffernan, Dylan Heffernan, Benjamin Samuels, and Susannah Sanuels.
Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover in the early fall, followed by interment of ashes in the Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LISTEN Center of Lebanon in honor of James.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Heffernan
Sponsored by Rand-Wilson Funeral Home.
2 Entries
Marc Lewinstein
November 22, 2025
Professor Heffernan was one of my favorites at Dartmouth. He taught a subject I loved dearly and he brought so much to understanding the texts, from the history and context surrounding their creation to elements of interpretation that added so much to my appreciation of them. He also provided a sterling representation of what a man of letters and character should be. I'm deeply sorry to learn of his passing, but grateful to have spent some time in his company.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in James Heffernan's name
Memorial Events
for James Heffernan
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Heffernan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously