William James Heath

Col. (Ret.) USAF

Col. William James Heath, Sr., known to his family and friends as Jim, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in Austin, Texas. His well-lived life of almost 89 years saw many significant achievements, but most significant were his marriage of more than 66 years to Jean and his children, Bob, Bill, and Connie. Jim was born to Milton Erner Heath, a mechanical engineer, and Evelyn Louise Zeis Heath, a registered nurse, on May 22, 1929, in Port Clinton, Ohio. Jim spent many happy years growing up in Port Clinton, where he still has life-long friends. He spent his high school years in Cleveland and Cincinnati, graduating from Withrow High School in 1947.

With initial thoughts of being a pharmacist, Jim went to work for Merrell Pharmaceuticals, studied in the evenings at the University of Cincinnati, and spent weekends in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Pharmacist Mate. A week at the 1949 Cleveland Air Races changed everything. Learning that his two years of college qualified him, Jim entered the Aviation Cadet Program at Connally Air Force Base, Waco, Texas in 1950. After taming the “Terrible T” (T-6 airplane) at Connally, Jim was posted to advanced jet training at Williams AFB, AZ. There he met his life-long partner and wife, Miss Jean Whitsell, formerly of Illinois. Introduced at a cadet dance in July, 1951, as they say, the rest is history. Six weeks later, on September 15, 1951, Jim was commissioned as a second lieutenant, received his pilot wings, and began his marriage to Jean.

Jim’s initial flying assignment was to F-84Es at Luke AFB, AZ, then to K-2 Air Base, Tague, Korea for a year’s tour of duty in the Korean War. Jim was a Command Pilot whose Air Force career spanned 24 years and included flying F-80s, B-47s, and B-52s at Laughlin AFB (Del Rio, TX), Lincoln AFB (NE), Blytheville AFB (AR), Andersen AFB (Guam) and Castle AFB (Merced, CA). The lives of the Heath Family revolved around Jim’s military career, allowing the children a stable childhood and many happy memories. Jim retired from the 42nd Air Division, Strategic Air Command, Fairchild AFB (Spokane, WA) in June 1975. Jim also finished his Bachelor's Degree in 1975, graduating from Fort Wright College of the Holy Names (Spokane, WA). Jim’s many accomplishments and decorations include progressing from Aircraft Commander to the position of Squadron Commander at Blytheville AFB and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

A second career in the Board of Pardons and Paroles in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Parole Division, in Austin led to a second retirement in 1990. During that era Jim found a great reward in his work in many ministries at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. He served several terms as Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, and Director of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Pancake Suppers were his specialty. He spent many hours managing the church’s carillon, bells outside that play music.

Jim enjoyed many years of full retirement that included travel, church, friends, and especially family. He was an avid traditional country music and bluegrass fan. Jim was known by all for his kindness and good humor. There was nothing he wouldn’t tackle with a smile. He was a wonderful man who lived a life of faith and dedication to God, family and country.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his brother, David Heath; sister Nancy (Clif) Bailey; Children, Bob (Libby) Heath, Bill (Mary) Heath, Connie (Mike) Moreland; six grandchildren, Robert, Jennifer, Megan, Jay, Katie, and Carrie; and six great grandchildren, Cole, Dexter, Ann Catherine, Quinn, Ellie, and Abigail; and loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 9, at 11 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (ECR), 2200 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757. A graveside service will be Tues., April 10, at 10:45 a.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Donations may be made to the Wm. Heath Memorial Fund at ECR.