James Milton Heath

James Milton Heath, aged 68, passed away June 4, 2022, at The Ohio State University’s James Cancer Hospital surrounded by his closest loved ones following a valiant battle against leukemia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Heath; granddaughter Brittany Elliott; brother John Anthony Heath; and parents John Max and Jeanette Heath.

James, affectionately known as Jim, leaves behind his significant other, Brenda Martin; two daughters, Dawn (Dennis) Anderson and Shanna (Allen) Edwards; and grandchildren Sara (Jonathon) Sybert, Tyler (Alyssa) Brown, Chelsea Elliott, and Isabella Brown. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Kaleb Sybert, Jordan Evans, Kennedy Thompson, Audrey Teasel, Carly Graber, Fredrick Thompson, and Allen Thompson, all of whom he was very passionate about spoiling with cheese sticks, candy canes, and other sweet treats.  In addition to his immediate family, Jim is also survived by sisters Jackie Carey, Jill Heath, and Jennifer (Dana) Lewis; plus, deeply loved and appreciated significant other-in-laws including Anthony, Deonna, and Parker Fraley and Jessica, Phil, and Amelia Bodkin.

To know Jim was to know a caring, giving, loving, and hard-working man. He had a heart of gold and gave the best hugs, pep talks, and support to anyone who needed it. His favorite things to do, aside from horse races and weekend getaways, included spending time with those he loved most and cruising in the truck, his dog Sadie by his side, on his way to “The Lot” for a taste of tranquility. 

Jim was employed at the Shelby County Highway Department for 30 years, retiring in 2020. He spent many years training horses for harness racing, amassing a dedicated fan base in his grandchildren, who could occasionally hitch a ride around the fairground’s race track while he worked.

His positive impact on the world will continue to be felt for decades to come, and he will be missed by many.

Visitation will take place Thursday, June 9, from 5-7pm at Adams Funeral Home in Sidney.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.theadamsfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Milton Heath, please visit our floral store.