HETHERINGTON, JAMES FENTON

James Fenton Hetherington, 65, was suddenly welcomed into the arms of Jesus while at home on April 6, 2023. Born to Edward Hetherington and Anne L. (DeFrank) Hetherington (predeceased) in Cape May Court House, NJ. Following his father’s passing, he was raised in Chester, PA until junior high and then returned to finish out his school years in North Cape May, NJ. He graduated from Lower Cape May Regional High School. He attended Trenton State College and graduated with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Minors in Sociology, Psychology, and Criminal Law. Jim worked as a Summer Wildwood Police Officer and Jamesway Store Security. His endurance through many of life’s trials made him a man of compassion toward those in need. In the careers that followed, he was a Correctional Officer at Bayside State Prison, worked for the Cape May County Probation Department, Cape Counseling, and lastly Jersey Cape Diagnostic Training and Opportunity Center in Rio Grande NJ as a career counselor. Jim also earned a Green Belt from the Cape May Karate Club as a youth.
Jim could drop a joke mid-sentence leaving your gut aching from laughter. If he wasn’t holding a book, he was cuddling one of his cats. He would often be late to work because he was praying, especially for his kids. He would drop everything for Italian meals and seafood and would equally stop what he was doing to practice magic tricks. He always got lost in the moment when playing his Guild guitar, or listening to Eric Clapton, Muhammad Ali, and favorite Theologian- John Piper. He was not usually one to start a conversation but knew better than most how to listen well, problem solve, or refer a book to you he had read. Before health issues, he loved to walk in Cape May and at the Bay and often used the excuse that the salt-air made him go to the Lobster House Restaurant.
He temporarily leaves behind his college sweetheart of 42 years, Robin. The day before his homecoming he wrote on the refrigerator white board, “I’ll be right back.” He will be deeply missed by his tenderhearted daughter Amy, his hard-working son, War Veteran US Marine, Jason A. Hetherington (ever smiling Jen), and his best buddy, “gosh I love that boy”, son Josiah D. Hetherington. He loved his grandson, Gabriel S. Hetherington. Jim will forever be missed by “favorite” and only sister Janice Ciallella-Koch (James). His caring step father, Anthony Ciallella will miss him. Missing their cousin Jimmy will be the whole DeFrank gang and Ciallella families. Uncle Jim will be missed by the many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. His sisters in law, Corine Brennan (Dan) and April Calvin, will always adore him. He was well thought of by sister-in-law, Laura Koester. His brothers in law Stu Calvin, Lenny Calvin (Viana), and Michael Koester (Andy Miller) will miss him. He was loved by his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Elaine (Baughan) Koester.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Lighthouse Church, 1248 US-9, Cape May Court House, NJ promptly on Friday, April 14 at 11:00am with luncheon immediately following. Please consider donating to Jim and Robin’s favorite charity, World Vision donate.worldvision.org. in Jim’s memory. For condolences visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com. No Flowers please.