James "Jim" George Hetherington, Jr. passed away on December 10, 2012. He fought a brave fight against cancer but is now at peace. He was born March 29, 1944 in Boston, Mass and was the son the late James George Hetherington, Sr. and Barbara Allen Hetherington. Mr. Hetherington graduated from Cushing Academy in Mass and then graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an engineering degree. He was on the board of the Southern Textile Association and the board of North Carolina Textile Association. He worked for many years as an engineer and sales representative for Platt Saco Lowell, American Suessen and Atkins Machinery Company. Mr. Hetherington served and fought in the Vietnam War and was a Purple Heart recipient for his acts of bravery on the battlefield. He also received other medals and awards while in the military that depict his determination in fighting for freedom: the army commendation medal, Vietnam service medal and the bronze star, national defense service award and sharpshooter badge and rifle bar. Jim was a wonderful family man who loved doing things with his two children and attending any function they were involved. He cheered his daughter Sarah as she competed in many horse competitions and encouraged his son, Brian as he worked toward becoming and Eagle Scout. Jim was also an Eagle Scout. His dry sense of humor made all those around him laugh. He was an avid sailor and past Commodore at Peninsula Yacht Club and spent much of his free time on Lake Norman. Each weekend, you could find Jim working on his boat or helping others work on theirs. The lake was his second love and considered his boat his second home. Surviving Mr. Hetherington is his wife of 33 years, Valerie MacKinnon Hetherington; son, Brian Hetherington and daughter-in-law, Katherine Baggott Hetherington and new grand-daughter, Elizabeth Nolan Hetherington of Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Sarah Hetherington Kenny and son-in-law, T.J. Kenny of Missouri. In addition, he is survived by brother-in-law, William Gerald (W.G.) MacKinnon and wife, Sandra MacKinnon and sister-in-law, Pamela Lackey and husband, Mack Lackey; nephews: Mark MacKinnon and wife, Portia MacKinnon, Jason Lackey and nieces: Wendy MacKinnon Hadley and husband, John Hadley and Amanda Lackey; grand-nieces: Ella and Sallie Hadley; Grayson Lackey and great-nephews, Walker and Spencer MacKinnon. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 13, 2012 at Sardis Presbyterian Church following a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270 or LUNGevity, 435 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60654. McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.
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