Jim Heal was born in Richwood, WV the nearest hospital to Summersville where his parents Harold and Leatha McCarty Heal lived. He and his younger siblings, Mary Ann and Dick attended the local public schools and graduated from Nicholas County High School.
Jim started college at WV Tech. He was drafted in January 1946 and sent to Great Diamond Island off the coast of Maine where the army was removing mines from Portland harbor.
Using the G. I. Bill he attended West Virginia University to earn a degree in physical education. He played defensive end on the football team under coaches Dudley DeGroot and Art Lewis.
His first teaching position was at junior high level in Iaeger in McDowell County. His next position was Tyler County High School where he was head coach of all sports for eight years. During that time he was chosen six times to lead the northern team of the Little Kanawha All Conference football team .
He moved to St Marys High School and coached basketball and football. As defensive coach he helped Bill Hanlin lead the 1963 St. Marys football team to an undefeated 10-0 record without being scored upon. No opponent scored upon that team that year, a state record which stood for many years. Both coaches moved on to college level; Jim to WV Tech, Bill to Glenville.
In 1965 Jim became assistant football coach under head coach Charles Cobb at WV Tech. Jim was also the head baseball coach for six years as well as teaching physical education classes. With the assistance of coach Bob Brown they led the baseball teams to championships in the Southern Division three times.
With a fellowship for graduate studies, Jim was away from football for two years attending Michigan State University, His research for the doctorate resulted in the preparation of the West Virginia state drivers licensing test presented in sign language on video.
He returned to WV Tech to serve as assistant football coach under Coach Roy Lucas as well as teaching safety education classes. He became head football coach in 1983 and served for six years. He retired from WV Tech as professor emeritus and moved to Stafford County, VA. He taught and coached football for seven years at North Stafford High School. In 1990 Jim and Frank Vincent coached the junior varsity to a 10-0 season.
Jim volunteered with Stafford County Citizen Assistance program, the National Park Service at Chatham Manor, and at Porter Library.
He was a 50 year member of Middlebourne Masonic Lodge. He had been a member of Rotary International and Civitans in Montgomery, WV.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his son, Jay and daughter-in-law, Emiko, his sister Mary Ann Metrick,
in-laws Jim and Karen Keister and their children, niece, Dr. Kelley Heal-Ortiz and her husband Mark and son Spencer, and a cousin, Richard Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dr.Richard Heal and wife Elaine, and his brother-in-law, Emmett Metrick.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice in Jim Heal's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service.
December 30, 2017
Joe Oliver
I am very sorry for your loss. I played football under Coach Heal at WVIT and he was a very nice person and great to play for. He left a great impact on all of us who played for him.
December 21, 2017
Paul & Barbara Gutshall
Ruth, Jay, Mary Ann, and Family
I'm sadden by your loss and hope that you all find comfort. I have fond memories of my visits with the Heals in Smithers, and talking football with Coach Heal at WV Tech.
December 1, 2017
Jim Baker
I played high school football in '61 to '63 when Coach Heal was at Tyler County High School. Coach spent a lot of time driving us "out in the country" boys without transportation home after practice and games. I thought a lot of this man.
November 15, 2017
Friend
Jed Sponaugle
So sorry. Just heard about Jim. He was a good friend.
November 14, 2017
Gail Larkin
Jim has been a neighbor of our for many years here in Stafford Va. He has coached our three boys in North Stafford High School and has been a wonderful friend and neighbor. Many blessings to the family at this time. Love, Bob Gail and family.
November 13, 2017
Billy Howard
He was my gym coach at North Stafford High in the 90's.He was a great coach always let students know they could be more .He was a fair coach graded by effort .If you tried your best he was happy with that.Rip coach thanks for always letting me know you cared .
November 13, 2017
Jarrett Frame
I was a student at WV Tech when Coach Heal was there. He was a great coach and gentleman and he will be missed by all.
November 13, 2017
Terry Blackburn-Parker
Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim coached baseball with my first husband Rick at North Stafford. He was such an encouragement to Rick when Rick's health started to fail. I find it interesting that we buried Rick 21 years ago tomorrow. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
November 13, 2017
Ron Wilcox
Coach Heal is still fondly remembered here in the Middlebourne WV area, and along with Bill Hanlin was honored at the Tyler County HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI parade in the late 90's. His teams were highly respected, and likely one of his "sweetest victories" was a payback trouncing of the Paden City Wildcats in 1963.
Ron Wilcox ( Middlebourne )
November 13, 2017
It is with great sadness to hear of your loss of your beloved husband. We want you to know that you have our prayers and sympathy during this time. May your sorrow lessen each day with hope, comfort and love of friends and family.
Department of Parks and Recreation Senior Council, Stafford, VA
November 13, 2017
Mary (Weaver) Frame
A great man I don't think I would have made it though school without his guidance. He was a great teacher and good influence on all of us at Tech and will be missed by all. Condolence to you the family you can be proud of the man he was he will be missed by all. God Bless.
November 10, 2017
Dorothy Phillips
Ruth, condolences to you and your family. Jim was a very special person. I very much enjoyed and appreciated the time and opportunity of working with Jim during our years with the Tech Golden Bears.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
November 9, 2017
Shalee Dunkle Wilburn
Ruth & family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. "Mr. Jim" was a special man and his obituary shows his dedication and love of his state and the young people in it. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shalee, Danny & Chris
November 9, 2017
John Hennessy
The staff at Chatham and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park share a sense of sadness at Jim's passing. For many years he volunteered at Chatham--congenial, willing, and always helpful. As a former football player, I loved talking sports with him, and I often left those conversations wishing he had been MY coach. I certainly had a strong sense of how important sports and young people had been in his life. He was an admirable man in every way. We in the National Park Service are proud to have worked with him.
November 9, 2017
Harry Wallace
Coach Heal was a friend to all of the Golden Bears. He truely was a man who took great lengths to make sure you would succeed. I know he had to get on me a few times and would not let up. I owe this man a lot. Our condolences from the entire Tech. family
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Funeral services provided by:
Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service1621 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more