James Dove Heath

There will be a celebration of life service for James Dove “Jimmie” Heath during the week of his birthday. The family welcomes you to join us in our fond memories of our beloved Jimmie on October 15, 2016 at 3:00 pm at the Otterbein United Methodist Church (176 W. Market St., Harrisonburg, VA).

Casual dress is requested.

James Dove Heath (Oct. 12, 1930-Apr. 29, 2016) was the son of James L. and Helen Maxine Heath and father of John Heath, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Helen, his children, Jeff and Jerry Heath and Deanna Chavez and Jeff Moyers, as well as his grandchildren, Katie, Alyssa, and Lindsey. He was the brother of C. Robert Heath who predeceased him and is survived by his sister-in-law, Norma Heath.

He was a lifelong resident of Harrisonburg, sold real estate, and owned several local companies. He was also a former member of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors.

Jimmie was a man who so enjoyed all the fine things in life—a good meal with good friends, a dram of Famous Grouse, a story, a song, a joke—that his passing is best commemorated by an old Scottish song, “The Parting Glass”:

All the comrades that e'er I had, they are sorry for my going away,

And all the sweethearts that e'er I had, would wish me one more day to stay.

But since it falls unto my lot That I should rise, and you should not

I'll gently rise and I'll softly call, “Good night and joy be with you all.”

Jimmie was the best grandfather a woman could wish to have and he will be sorely missed, as he was so loved so much by so many.

May he now be in the Land of Eternal Youth, enjoying all the finest things in that magical place that he enjoyed so fully in life. So fill to him the parting glass—good night, and joy be to you all.

I, Lindsey, wear the MacLeod tartan in memory of my grandfather, who loved and was proud of his Scottish heritage.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.