James F. Heslip

December 10, 1929 - August 19, 2021

James (Papa) Francis Heslip, 91, died on August 19, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1929 to Mary and Frank Heslip. As a young adult, he joined the US Navy where he served in the Korean war on the USS Albany as a communications operator. After his honorable discharge in 1953, he moved to Florida where he enjoyed a 25-year career with the McDonald's Corporation.  While in Florida, Jim met and married his beloved wife of 50 years, Joyce Heslip. Joyce predeceased him in 2014.

Jim is survived by his four stepchildren daughter Cynthia Atkinson Cathey and husband Carl T. Cathey, son Bobby Atkinson, II and wife Carol Atkinson, son Rick Atkinson Sr and wife Pam Atkinson, and daughter Mickie Atkinson Comiskey and husband Charles E Comiskey. He left behind six step grandchildren Ashlea O'Neil Collins-Rombach and her husband Sean Rombach, Ricky Atkinson Jr and wife Linsey Atkinson, Daniel DeAngelis and wife Cristy DeAngelis, Drew Atkinson and wife Meaghan Atkinson, and Nikki Atkinson Seymour and her husband Ryan Seymour, Bobby Atkinson III and his fiancé Savannah Neely.  He also had seven beautiful great grandchildren and one on the way.

Papa loved gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with all his neighbors.
He had many wonderful neighbors and friends that looked out for him over the years.  Our family is so grateful to each of them for their years of love and friendship.

Papa cherished his granddaughter, Ashlea.  Ashlea and Papa shared a sweet bond over her lifetime. Her dedication to her grandfather was unwavering.

Papa's strength, love of family, and love of life will remain in our hearts forever.  We love you Papa; you will be deeply missed by all of us.  May you rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 11:00 am.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to the memorial service at Lohman Funeral Home, Daytona Beach, Florida. Burial will follow immediately at Daytona Memorial Park and Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations made to Wounded War Project.

Condolences for the family can be shared on the online guestbook at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com