James Allen Heatherington

James Heatherington of Lyon, Georgia began his career by working for BE&K Construction as a welding apprentice, while also serving in the Georgia Army National Guard. Lyon is a small community of about 4600 people, and is located 85 miles west of Savannah. After five years, he became a master craftsman welder and pipefitter. From there, he moved on to work at nuclear power and chemical plants as a certified pipefitter and valve technician. He also worked as a pipe foreman, and received his certification as a Class I house electrician. Along the way, he attended the Crane Valve School, working with a Duke Powers valve team. He also graduated from Southeastern Technical School in by Vidalia, Georgia.

As a result of the accident, he is a C-5 quadriplegic, only able to use his right arm and hand. When he came home from the hospital, fundraisers held by his friends provided for transportation needs, as well as a roll in shower and door widening. By late 2018 however the entry ramp needed to be replaced, and James was also looking to add a small porch where he could sit outside on days that he is up and be with his friends. Most of his friends homes are not accessible, and have doors that are not wide enough for his wheelchair. James receives a small disability check, but he barely makes ends meet after paying for wound supplies, medications Medicare doesn’t pay for, and payments on several hospital bills. Diane went to work doing some online research, and came across the Joseph Groh foundation.

Now, James has a 12 x 12 porch to sit on with his friends, and an entry ramp he won’t have to worry about for a number of years. After completion of the work Diane wrote, “We can’t express how grateful we are. It is raining again today and Allen does not feel well, but he can’t wait to sit out on his new porch on a sunny day. Thank you so much!”