James Freddie Heatherly was born December 4, 1943 in Cullman County, Alabama. He began his life in the Crane Hill community and then later moved to Welti. He attended high school at Fairview where he and his brothers, Elwin and Larry, developed a lasting reputation for their athletic ability and basketball prowess. He went to Southern Union College with a small basketball scholarship and learned to play tennis just to cover the rest. He was a Child of God being saved earlier in his life.
When he was in the Air Force, he worked 3 jobs while also serving as Force Protection with his dog, Eric in Texas only to have to sell plasma to still make ends meet for his family.
He continued his tour in the Air Force until his four years were up from Vietnam without being shot at once only to have his base come under mortar fire 4 days before rotation where he lost a good friend.
After, he moved back to Alabama and started working in the Poultry industry where he worked for Pilsbury (not the Doughboy), Valmac, Tasty Bird, Tyson Foods, and finally, Pilgrim’s Pride where he retired in his 70’s. If you do the math, that’s about 45 years of continued service to the American people who all love chicken.
Mr. Heatherly passed away on January 19, 2025 at the age of 81.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home Chapel with interment following services in Welti Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home.
Survivors are: 2 daughters: Leslie Holland, Kristen Box, 4 sons: Greg (Alicia) Heatherly, Brett (Stacy) Heatherly, Eli (Lindsay) Heatherly, Gabe (Allison) Heatherly. 2 sisters: Kathy (John) Johnson, Janet (Roger) Larsen, 1 brother: Elwin (Sue) Heatherly, 21 Grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Limas Edward and Nettie Ellen Kilgo Heatherly, brother: Larry Heatherly, grandson: Luke Box.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to: Brothers for Life Foundation at: 1214 Donna Avenue SE, Decatur Alabama 35601 or call (256) 318-6763.
Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.mossservicefh.com.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
