James Donald Hetherington

BETHANY - James Donald Hetherington, 87, passed away on March 10, 2023, in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born March 24, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio, a child of John and Marie (Mincher) Hetherington. James held degrees from Youngstown State University, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Oklahoma. He taught on the adjunct business faculty at Oklahoma City University for 16 years. He also served in the United States Air force for 3 years in the 1950s. He moved from Ohio to Oklahoma City in 1968 for a job at the FAA Academy. During his tenure as head of Instructor Resources, he hired women to his staff and promoted women to higher positions. He received an Equal Opportunity Award for his efforts. James had a personal interest in promoting better mental health care and he and his wife received a “Champions of Change” award in 2012 from Governor Mary Fallin for 35 years of advocacy at the NAMI Oklahoma luncheon in 2012. James was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He loved to garden, play drums, and enjoyed his train sets. He also enjoyed playing and watching basketball. He was deeply devoted to his family and enjoyed nothing more than relaxing at home. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Carol and 8 children, (2 sons and 6 daughters) including sons, James Donald Jr. and wife Ann of Tulsa, and Robert of Oklahoma City; daughters, Deirdre Barringer and husband James of Oklahoma City, Eileen Hetherington Brown and husband Larry of Bethany, Ann and Lynn Hetherington of Tuttle, Marilyn Hendricks and husband Craig of Newcastle, and Eden Anderson and husband Brian of Norman; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be Tuesday, 10:00am to 8:00pm with family present from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 15, 11:00am at Mercer-Adams Chapel with interment in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness of Oklahoma. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com