John Raymond Heflinger

John Raymond Heflinger – February 5, 2002 – March 28, 2026

John Raymond Heflinger, known lovingly to all as Jack, passed away on March 28, 2026, in Sandusky, Ohio. He was 24 years old. Born on February 5, 2002, in Sandusky, Jack was a young man whose kind heart, quiet thoughtfulness, and deep love for his family left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Jack was a 2020 graduate of Huron High School, where he cultivated the intellectual curiosity and warmth that would define him throughout his life. He possessed an extensive and impressive knowledge of history, the American presidents, films, and books, and he could speak on these subjects with a passion and depth that reflected a truly engaged mind. Jack was a voracious reader who moved through many, many books, always seeking to understand the world more fully and to connect with the stories and ideas that shaped it. Among his greatest joys was music. Whether adding to his record collection, attending concerts, or spending evenings with his friends in the Vinyl Recliners, music was a constant and cherished presence in his life. He loved gaming with friends scattered across the continent, forging and maintaining bonds that transcended distance. He found peace in walks along the shoreline of the Lake Erie coast he called home, and he spent devoted hours studying genealogy and family history, honoring the generations who came before him by learning and preserving their stories, antiques and artifacts. Above all, Jack loved his family. He cherished every member deeply, and he was always the first to offer help to family and friends whenever they needed anything at all. Of all the roles he held in life, his favorite was that of Uncle Jack. His niece, Ruby, and his nephew, Drake, brought him immeasurable happiness, and his playful, loving presence in their young lives was a gift they will carry with them always. Jack is survived by his mother Amy (Kahler Heflinger) Anderson and stepfather Erik Anderson; father Dave Heflinger and stepmother Christine; sister Addi; brother Matthew and nephew Drake; stepsister Meredith and nephew Drake; stepbrother Nick (Stephanie) Anderson and niece Ruby; and his beloved grandmother Barbara Kahler. He is also survived by his second family, The Deep Slate, and numerous extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer by his presence. A date will be announced soon for a gathering of family and dear friends to celebrate and remember our loving Jack. Jack was a gentle soul who gave freely of his time, his knowledge, and his heart. He was made for kindness, for loyalty, for love, and for the quiet moments that bind people together. In words from the music he loved so well: "I keep lookin' for a place to fit in Where I can speak my mind And I've been tryin' hard to find the people That I won't leave behind They say I got brains But they ain't doin' me no good I wish they could Each time things start to happen again I think I got somethin' good goin' for myself But what goes wrong Sometimes I feel very sad Sometimes I feel very sad (Ain't found the right thing I can put my heart and soul into) Sometimes I feel very sad (Ain't found the right thing I can put my heart and soul into) I guess I just wasn't made for these times” - The Beach Boys Jack, you were made for so much more than these times could give you. You are deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.