James Charles Heath

James Charles Heath, age 95, of Bancroft, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Owosso, Michigan. A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 501 N. Saginaw St, Durand, MI 48429. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM until the time of service.

Born March 7, 1930, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late William and Rosa (Ruddell) Heath, Jim's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, service, and dedication.

Once Jim graduated from Red Bud Community High School, he joined the National Guard, and subsequently joined the United States Air Force, where he continued to serve his country with honor, until November 1952.

After the military, Jim moved to Flint, MI, where he was able to secure more than three-decades of employment with General Motors. As a man of great integrity and pride in honest work, Jim was highly regarded in his position as a skilled tradesman in tools, jigs, and fixtures.

When Jim met Lila (Burgess), he knew he'd met the love of his life, and they were married on June 19, 1954. Their 71 years were filled with many, many blessings.

Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of Jim's life. His prayers and his desires were focused on showing others the way to everlasting life and peace in Jesus. Jim was extremely talented, and he used these talents to help build and maintain the First Baptist Church of Bancroft. Jim was intellectually blessed, which helped in his service as a church deacon. Jim was focused and committed, and he used this to serve the community, showing people that the Lord wanted to give life and hope to them, just as He had done for Jim and his family.

Jim was a blessing. A kind and generous man, who enjoyed helping others whenever and wherever he could. He was a wonderful husband and father, who taught us love, perseverance, and faith. He took care of us, before and above all else. He was a wonderful man, and we love him so much.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lila; his children, Kelly, Patti, and Marc; his grandchildren, Eric (Bhirmant) Schindler, and James Heath; and his great-grandchildren, Rae, Lila, and Caleb.

Jim is predeceased by daughter, Bonita (May 1970), and his parents.

Memorials in James Heath's name may be made payable to First Baptist Church of Bancroft. Online condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com