Lived a life full of love, laughter, adventure, joy and pride for his family
NORTH READING — James C. Heffernan Jr. of North Reading, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 1, 2024, at the age of 72, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Christine (Millett) Heffernan, and their three children: his daughter, Dr. Sarah McPartland and her husband Ken; his son, James Heffernan III; and his daughter, Jody Heffernan; his granddaughters, Hannah, Rachel, Megan and Emma McPartland; his sisters, Sally Mugherini and her husband Neal, and Barbie Kiesinger and her husband Lonnie; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Millett and her late husband Roger; his sister-in-law, Nancy Lukfin and her late husband Ken; and his brothers-in-law, Richard and Michael Millett, and Mark Millett and his wife Donna, as well as his extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Jean, as well as his brother Tom and his sister Deb.
Jay was born in Lynn, the second of five children to the late James and Jean (LaPorte) Heffernan, and grew up in Beverly. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Salem State College and went on to spend much of his career at Cox Engineering in Brighton. There, he formed long-lasting friendships and was known for his strong work ethic and practical jokes. He worked as a CFO at several companies before “retiring” in 2018, after which he continued consulting work until 2019.
Jay and Chris met in 1972 when some “silly girl” started hanging out with his sister Sally. As he would tell it, he eventually succumbed to the pressures of his sisters and took that girl, Christine Millett, out on a date. Together they built a beautiful life, and they were soulmates by every definition of the word. Chris was his world, and their example of love and partnership for more than 50 years benefitted everyone who had the chance to witness it, especially their three children.
In 2010 he became Papa J after the birth of his first granddaughter. He took to being a grandfather with immense love and pride. He spent his retirement in Palmer, Mass., enjoying as much time as possible with his granddaughters. It is impossible to describe the pure joy Jay experienced when surrounded by those four little girls, who loved every minute they spent with Mamoo and Papa J.
Jay enjoyed music (he got lost at Woodstock for three days!), long car rides, sports, history, the beach, traveling and most of all time with his family. He loved playing and watching sports, especially when his kids or grandkids were on the field. He won the New England championship in tennis in his 30s and competed at the USTA National Championships at the age of 66. Jay played hockey, soccer, and tennis well into his 60s, and he cherished the lifelong friendships he forged on the ice, field, and court.
If you were lucky enough to know Jay, you knew that while he had a quiet demeanor, his sarcasm and quick wit brought light to any situation. Jay was happiest outdoors and he spent many summer weekends camping, hiking, and swimming, especially in the White Mountain National Forest, his favorite spot being site 49 at Covered Bridge Campground, where he spent time “roughing it” with his family, friends, and however many neighborhood children he could fit in the car. Stories of site 49 are legendary and often recalled by his family and friends, and maybe a few police blotters. He loved hiking and said that traversing Knife’s Edge on Katahdin was the thrill of a lifetime.
Jay lived a life full of love, laughter, adventure, joy and pride for his family and will be missed beyond measure.
Our family would like to thank Drs. Kenneth Miller and Andreas Klein of Tufts Medical Center for their life-sustaining care over many years.
Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (corner of Park Street and Rte. 28 at Reading line) on Sunday, March 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Immediately following the visitation, a Memorial Service will be celebrated for Jay at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the May Center School for Autism in West Springfield (mayinstitute.org) or the White Mountain National Forest Plant-A-Tree Program (www.fs.usda.gov).
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotafuneralhomes.com.
