Career
James Heathershaw was born on 7 May 1871 in Beaufort, Victoria. Heathershaw joined the Victorian Public Service in March 1889, transferring to the new Federal Department of the Treasury in 1902. In 1926, Heathershaw was appointed Secretary of the Treasury Department.
He stood down from the role in 1932 due to poor health, and retired in 1935.
Heathershaw died at Oakleigh railway station, of cardiovascular disease on 25 July 1943.