Estel James Heath Jr. passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023. Jim, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Oakland, California, February 1, 1944, to Estel J. Heath and Nora M. (Hart) Heath.  He was an only child, and grew up in Marysville, KS, until the family relocated to Salina in 1952.

He married Sandra E. (Docken) Heath on July 7th, 1962. To this union, they had 4 children, Cheri Schimming, James Heath (Diann), Ronald Heath (Jody), and Tami Lauffer (Kermit). They have 6 grandchildren, Danielle Heath, Logan Lauffer (Laura), Tyler Heath, Dustin Lauffer, Heather Schimming, and Alan Marsell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Estel and Nora, and his son-in-law, Jeff Schimming.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, from 5-8 PM at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, May 9, at 10:30 AM at Ryan Mortuary, with burial to follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials can be made in Jim’s name to Choices Network, 2151 Centennial Rd, PO Box 2657, Salina, KS, or in care of Ryan Mortuary 137 N. 8th St. Salina, KS.