Jack Heeger, a long-time Southern California public relations executive and journalism professor, spent nearly 40 years in public relations, serving with several agencies and later as Vice President of Public Affairs for Sunkist Growers, Inc. After achieving an MBA degree at age 55, he embarked on an academic career, teaching public relations and journalism at California State University, Long Beach. He retired in 1992 and was elevated to Emeritus status. Mr. Heeger was born Oct. 18, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa., to Lester and Etta (Grossman) Heeger. He was educated in Sioux City, worked briefly for the Sioux City Journal, moved to Los Angeles in 1954, and worked for UPI before entering the public relations field. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1951 through 1953. He was also well-known within the jewelry industry, having consulted with the California Jewelers Association in a public relations capacity for more than 35 years. In 1996 he retired to Napa where he continued his journalism career, writing and editing copy for the Napa Valley Register, St. Helena Star and Weekly Calistogan, and for other wine publications. He also served as executive director for the Yountville Appellation Association during its fledgling years. He is survived by his wife, Heddy; three children: Lloyd (Leah), Dallas, Texas; Marshall (Oksana), Fairfax, Va.; and Laurie Averitt (Darren), Monrovia, Calif.; three step-children: Ymke Swierstra, Santa Maria, Calif., Andrew Swierstra (Charlyene), San Ramon, Calif., and Lynda Puerling (Thomas), Santa Maria, Calif.; a sister, Maita Sadoff, Sioux City; and 10 grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Fern, who died in 1987. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Hospice of Napa Valley, 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559, or Special Olympics, 3480 Buskirk Ave., Suite 340, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.