Published on July 24, 2026 10:12 am
Last Updated on July 24, 2026 10:12 am
James Edward “Jim” Heal, 83, of Strasburg, IL, formerly of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in his residence.
A private funeral service will be held Saturday morning, July 25, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Pastor Jim Bringman officiating. Burial will follow in Myers Cemetery, Herrick, IL with military rites by the U.S. Marine Corps and Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to St. Jude in memory of Danielle Cushman and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565
Jim was born on September 2, 1942, in Bellevue, OH, the son of Edward James and Ruth (Norman) Heal. Jim graduated from Stewardson High School in the Class of 1961. He then served his country in the United States Marines from 1961-1964. Jim married Dinah C. Shiels on December 27, 1969. He worked as a welder at Caterpillar in Decatur until his retirement. Jim was mechanically inclined and could fix or build almost anything. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Shelbyville, IL, where he sang as a soloist and also in the church choir. He was also a talented oil painting artist and an airplane enthusiast.
Jim Heal was a good dad doing all the things good dads do. He stopped to look at turtles and flowers alongside the road, hid fairies in the forest for kids to find, and picked up every lucky penny he saw. He taught the kids how to ride bikes, how to know right from wrong, and how to be themselves. As good a dad as he was, he was a remarkable grandpa to Jorian and Delaney and Papa Jim to Marek and Arowyn. He made sure his grandkids could change a tire and hold a paintbrush. He helped with science projects, attended recitals, answered every phone call, and always showed up. We will miss hearing him sing “Good morning to you!” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!” early in the morning. But with all the love he had for his kids and grandkids, he lit up most for Dinah, his wife of 56 years, whom he loved to serenade no matter the location. Together, they shared so much laughter and so much joy.
Jim is survived by his wife, Dinah; children, Christina Heal (Devin Casenhiser), Gregory Heal, Catherine Heal (Sandeep Gangadhara), and Richard Heal (Cat Bass); sisters, Beverly Bush (Bob), Rita Perry (George), and Cheryl Cushman; brother, Keith Cushman (Karen); and grandchildren, Jorian Heal (Sandy Sun), Delaney Nair (Nirmal), Marek Casenhiser, and Arowyn Casenhiser.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward James Heal; mother, Ruth Heal Cushman; stepfather, Junior Cushman; one brother; and his beloved dog, Jack.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com