James R. Heintz, 78, of Utica passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 at his home after a long illness with his loving family by his side. James was born in Utica on February 5, 1931 a son of Daniel and Marion (Evans) Heintz. He was raised and educated in Utica and attended Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Francis de Sales and Utica Free Academy. James was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. In Utica on October 22, 1955 he was united in marriage to Jeanne Dorothy Cousin. James was first employed at Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. and later at Griffiss Air Force Base retiring in 1986 after 35 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica, a 24 year member of American Legion Post 1376, New Hartford, VFW Post #7393, New York Mills, a 29 years member of the Utica Elks Lodge #33 and served as a trustee for five years. He was the recipient the Elk of the Year Award in 1985 and 1994. James is survived by his wife, Jeanne of 53 years, his brother; Rev. Daniel Heintz of Syracuse and Bradenton, FL, son Jim Heintz and wife Judy of Colchester, VT, daughter Debbie Belmont and husband Michael of Remsen, daughter Kathy Wengert and husband Craig of Marcy, and son Daniel Heintz and wife Jennifer of Milton, VT, granddaughters Ashley and Jennifer Heintz of Colchester, VT, grandsons Justin and Brandon Wengert of Marcy. Step grandchildren Brent Wengert and wife Valerie of Tampa, FL and Tara Wengert and friend Steve of Rochester, NY, sister-in-law Doris Smith and husband Robert of Utica, brother-in-law Ed Cousin and wife Dymphna of LaGrangeville, NY, brother-in-law Louis Cousin and wife Sue of Walnut Creek, CA, and brother-in-law Jerry Cousin and wife Deb of Glen Rock, PA, along with several nieces and nephews. Mr. Heintz's funeral will be held on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday morning from 8:30-10:15. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. The family would like to extend special thanks to Jim's caregivers over the past several years. Dr. Toby Taylor and his staff, Dr. Scott Brehaut, Dr. Ed Gaffney, the wonderful staff at Hospice and the Utica Fire Department for their awesome care. The family would like to recognize the exceptional care provided by Heidi Werner. The family would also like to extend their utmost gratitude to Dr. Chris Max, Peter Dellerba and staff for their extraordinary kindness and compassion throughout his illness. Special thanks to Alan Leist and staff of Strategic Financial Services for their support and all of Jim's friends at the Elks Lodge.