James J. Heckert, Sr., 83, of Polk Personal Care Center, Millersburg, died Tuesday,June 22, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Pottsville. Born in Millersburg, December 6, 1920, he was a son of the late Emory E. and Carrie (Schucker) Heckert. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a Telephone Installer with Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania for 35 years until retirement. He was a 1938 graduate of the former Hegins Twp. High School and had attended West Chester Teachers College. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Hegins, Pa. and the National Rifle Association. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harle Heckert, and by three sisters; Beatrice Huntzinger, Catherine Maurer, and Pearl Boyer. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, the former Helen M. Freas; one son, James J. Heckert, Jr. of Herndon. Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday,June 25, 2004, from Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View. There was a viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Rev. George Reynolds officiated. Burial was made at St. John's Cemetery, Hegins, Pa. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, Hegins PA 17938.