John M. "Jack" Heaphy
John M. "Jack" Heaphy recently passed away March 6 at the age of 83.
Heaphy was born in Escanaba, Michigan and moved to Detroit at a young age. He lived in the Detroit area for most of his life and in 1945 enlisted in the Navy against his parents' wishes where he served until late 1946. Upon returning home, Heaphy enrolled at the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1950. He then attended Wayne State University Law School where he earned his law degree in 1953.
After working in Washington, D.C. for several years, Heaphy returned to Detroit and ultimately joined the firm that became Vandeveer, Garzia, Tonkin, Kerr, and Heaphy where he worked for nearly thirty-five years as an active trial lawyer and a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. During the last several years of his career he served as president of the firm.
According to his nephew William Heaphy, who is presently a practicing attorney in Detroit "I've been a lawyer in this city for 19 years now, and I'm sure that a week hasn't gone by where some lawyer or judge didn't have something nice to say about him."
Upon retirement, Heaphy moved to Tucson, Arizona with his wife where they lived until a few years ago when they moved to Illinois to be closer to family. Wherever he went, Heaphy attracted many friends with his generous nature, warm manner, infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor.
"Jack was a kind, considerate and inspiring mentor who helped set the tone of civility and professionalism that our firm was known for. He will be missed by all who had the priviledge of knowing him." said Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hathaway.
Heaphy is survived by his wife and best friend Martha (nee Knowles) of 60 years; children John M. (Colette) Heaphy III, Catherine (Raymond) DeThorne, and Barbara (Richard) Murphy; granchildren Patrick and Lindsay DeThorne, Madeline, Matthew, Michelle and Maureen Heaphy, Richie, Catie and Betsy Murphy; siblings Bill, Joan, and Ann; and his golden retriever Bailey and many dogs who came before.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025.
Published: Thu, Mar 10, 2011
