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James R. Heekin Jr., 82

10/05/2009

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - James Robson Heekin Jr., 82, of 41 Oblong Road died Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, at North Adams Regional Hospital. Born in Cincinnati on Oct. 30, 1926, son of James R. Heekin Sr. and Alice Peters Heekin, he attended Walnut Hills High School and later Williams College, graduating in 1948. He made Williamstown his permanent home in 1985. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. Mr. Heekin enjoyed a distinguished career in the advertising field, most recently heading James Heekin Associates Inc., a marketing firm serving many Berkshire businesses, including The Orchards, City Savings Bank, Sweetwood Retirement Community, Jiminy Peak Ski Resort and the North Adams Regional Hospital. He had been president of Ogilvy & Mather in New York City, where he worked with the legendary ad man David Ogilvy. He later was president of Doyle Dane Bernbach Advertising and a partner in his own firm, Canter, Achenbaum, Heekin, also in New York. He was a director of the Roper Public Opinion Research Center and a member of the South Williamstown Association Board and of the St. Patrick's Parish Council. He had been very involved in developing a leadership curriculum program at Williams College. He leaves his loving wife of 61 years, the former Jane "Jannie" Jessup; two sons, James Heekin of Stamford, Conn., and Timothy Heekin of Manchester, Vt.; two daughters, Margaret Kensinger of State College, Pa., and Elizabeth Bartels of Williamstown, eight grandchildren, two grea- grandchildren and his Irish setter, Paddy. FUNERAL NOTICE - A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Heekin will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:30 from St. Patrick's Church in Williamstown. Burial will be private. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to North Adams Regional Hospital in care of the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family Post Comment

I know Jim and I didnt really get along in the end of me working for him but I will always remember the good times I had with Jim our funny convertions late at night. Janie darling i hope the best for u keep going strong hes another star watching above us keeping us safe.
from: Becky	on: 10-12-2009

Jim Heekin was a quiet, legendary ad man for the Berkshires and well beyond. We worked together to launch James Heekin Associates nearly 30 years ago, proudly donning borrowed Williams football jerseys from his alma mater for one powerful agency ad, and grew a lot of local, regional and national businesses. He was a marvelous teacher especially to young minds (at least mine) and the style and graciousness that surrounded him was unmatched. And having his extraordinarily wonderful wife Jane with him made him stronger throughout everything life threw at him. Jim Heekin was as genuine and spirited as his Irish Setter.
from: Bruce Whitney	on: 10-08-2009

James was a great customer and friend of our c.o.Not only we lost a Customer but a Great Friend. James is in good hands with lord above. He well be miss by us.
from: ROTO-ROOTER	on: 10-08-2009

I worked for Jim, when I was fresh out of college back in the early 70's. He was a dynamic force, and was sweet and tolerant of my fledgling career abilities, or lack thereof. He left a lasting impression, and I'm sure that he will be greatly missed by many as he did not waste his talents and remained always so productive. The years I remember were good years in the Berkshires, filled with optimism. Jim and his wife Jane were a huge part of that. This is surely sad news.
from: Marilyn Coussoule	on: 10-07-2009

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