Dr. John Phillip Heileman passed away on September 25, 2018. John, (Jack) was born on February 2, 1930, at the original St. Joseph’s Hospital on Polk Street in Phoenix, Arizona, to Leo and Rose Murphy Heileman. He attended ASU with a scholarship from Phelps-Dodge, graduating in 1951 with a B.S. in Chemistry. At ASU, he received the Moeur Award for the highest grade-average in the university. John attended the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University from 1951-1955, receiving an M.D. Post-graduate training was at the U.S. Naval School of Aviation Medicine in 1956 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, IL. He then completed residences in Internal Medicine at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital and the Veteran’s Research Hospital. During this time, he received a Fellowship in Endocrinology & Metabolic Diseases.
From 1955-1958, John served in active duty with the U.S. Navy as a Flight surgeon, ranking LCDR for the final two years. Certified by the AMA in Internal Medicine in 1964 and in Endocrinology Associates, P.A. was opened in 1962, with the help from his new wife, Ann O’Hara Heileman, a nurse he met while working in Chicago. He served the Phoenix community as a practicing physician for 35 years in endocrinology and metabolic diseases, retiring in 1997.
John was generous with his knowledge and time to the local community. For numerous years he served as the Secretary for the Arizona Medical Association, president for the Arizona Diabetes Association, remained an active member of the board for the Arizona Kidney Foundation and a Fellow with the American College of Physicians. Following retirement, he spent years volunteering as a physician at St. Vincent de Paul’s medical clinic.
John was happiest when working with his patients and he was loved and respected in his field. He had a mischievous sense of humor which brought joy to his patients and everyone around him. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife, Ann, four children: Jeanne, Jim, Denise (Jeffrey) Valder (children Helen, Katherine and Lauren), Matthew (Debi) Heileman (children Dylan and Shaun), his brothers, David and George and sister, Mary Hartman.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 9:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. with a Funeral Mass celebration at 10:00 A.M. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. A reception to follow at St. Theresa Catholic Parish in the Fr. Feeney Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: National Kidney Foundation of Arizona at https://azkidney.org and Society of St. Vincent de Paul Medical Clinic at https://www.stvincentdepaul.net Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Suzanne, Nicole & Samantha Heileman
Dearest Aunt Ann & Family,
“Uncle Jack was a true gentleman and dear soul.
He will watch over you from afar. Till you meet again.
Cherish your many beautiful memories.
May God & His Angels soften your sorrow.
May LOVE be what you remember most. “
In our hearts and prayers.
Larry Nilsen
Ann: Barbara and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family on John’s passing
Mike & Tricia Jansen
Aunt Ann and family,
We feel your sorrow. Please know our love and prayers surround you all.
Robert Crawford Jr
We send our condolences and sympathy to you Barbara and your family at this difficult time. I remember with gratitude the friendship our mother Louise Crawford shared with John in service on the board of the Arizona Kidney Foundation and his visits to my mom when she was ill. A kind and compassionate man, he will always be remembered with great love!
Robert Crawford Jr
Sylvia Yohe
Ann and family,: so sad to learn of Dr Heilemans passing! He was so loved and respected by all of us that worked at endocrinology with him . never to be forgotten!
Elizabeth L. May
Ann—-and family—I’m so very sorry to hear of John’s death. Derald held him in high regard, especially for his intellect. We enjoyed many outings with Aesculapians and both of you. My best to you during these times of farewell.
Blessings. Betty May
Tom Baca
My condolences to Anne and the Heileman family. Dr H as I used to call him was my employer for 21.5 years. He was one of the most amazing and generous people I ever knew. He would go out of his way to help someone. A special memory I have of him is how we used to wager on sporting events with the winner receiving a can of coke for every correct bet. I often found myself on the short end of these things and having to bring him several cans of coke. His bright smile and the twinkle in his eyes confirmed how much he enjoyed the fun. I will not be able to make the services because my mother is not well. I keep the Heileman family in prayer for peace and comfort. Many Blessings and Godspeed Dr.H.
Patti Wade
Ann and family: My condolences and prayers for all of you. My mom, Sylvia Yohe, who worked at Endo and I often saw Dr H when I visited. He joyfully shared jokes, had the best smile, and was loved by all. I know you will all miss him greatly.
Christel
I am so thankful to have been part of the Endocrinology Associates family ~ from my college years until I became a mom.
Dr. Heileman’s wonderful sense of humor made work fun! I once shared with him how rude a pharmacist had been to me on the phone. He said, “Don’t you put up with that Christel! You tell him ~ roger dodger you ole codger I’m a captain too!” We had a great laugh over that silly saying. Here it is 35 years later and I’m still using it.
To Mrs. Heileman and your entire family ~ thank you so much for sharing Dr. H with us. He blessed our lives and those of countless others.
My Love & Prayers
Patricia Knudten
Ann and family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I worked at Endocrinology Associates for 30 years and was truly blessed to know Dr. H. to see his care and concern for his patients. It was a learning experience, and his generosity, patience, and sense of humor were among the many attributes we enjoyed.
Pamela Wuertz
I’m sorry for your loss. I worked for Dr Heileman for as an MA many years in the 70’s. Dr Heileman was a great teacher , I reflect back on many things he shared with me. When I moved back to AZ, Tom and I would meet with Dr Heileman for lunch from time to time. I think everyone that worked for Dr Heileman loved him, I know I did. Rest in peace Dr Heileman, you will be missed by all.