A graveside service for former pastor of First United Methodist Church, Bluffton, Rev. James B. Heininger, 90, of Granville, were held May 1, 2015 at Maplewood Cemetery in Spencerville with full military honors.

McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect St., Granville, handled the arrangements.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Rev. Heininger was May  at Centenary United Methodist Church, Granville with Rev. Stephen J. Cramer as celebrant. 

Rev. Heininger died Sunday, April 26, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., to the late Dr. Charles and Lulabelle (McKinney) Heininger.

A veteran of the United Stated Army, he served in the 125th American Anti-Aircraft Division during World War II. Later in life, he would author and publish those experiences in his book, Name, Rank and Serial Number, My 1,000 Days Working for Uncle Sam.

After WWII, he earned a BA from Bowling Green State University and Master's of Divinity from the Seminary at Oberlin College. He became an ordained Methodist pastor in 1953.

He served in the West Ohio United Methodist Conference and pastored for over 44 years in various communities. Rev. Heininger was a member of Kiwanis, Jaycees, Grange, Vintage Voices, Centenary United Methodist Church Choir and the Masonic Lodge.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Nancy (Sutton) Heininger of Granville; sons, and daughter-in law, James Heininger of Xenia, and Andrew (Marie) Heininger of Bellville; daughters and son-in-law, Amy Lu Heininger of Garwood, Texas, and Julie (Jeff) German of Granville; grandchildren, Nathanael, Gordon, Samuel, Katherine, Carol, Sarah, and Abigail; and one great-granddaughter, Hazel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Heininger; and three sisters, Helen Bernard, Martha Crabbe, and Kathryn Freed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Lighthouse Church at 291 E Mark St., Marion, Ohio 43302, or Centenary United Methodist Church 102 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.