James William Heath

James William Heath, 83, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., the son of William Clay and Pernia Cathem (McKinley) Heath was born Jan. 20, 1928, in Schell City, Mo., and passed from this life on April 27, 2011, at his home.

James attended Stony Point School near ScheIl City and a short time later starting working with Monk Wallen on the railroad. James worked several construction jobs throughout his life -- for a time he worked on the pipeline in Iowa, then worked for General Motors in Kansas City, always keeping Schell City as his home base. It was while working with Roy Mosher that he learned to run a dozer and he continued that work for most of his life. James never really retired as he continued to work for Custom Dozing until just about three years ago, when his health no longer permitted.

In 1950, James was united in marriage to Bonnie Davis, and then later, in 1988, he married Avelina Duba Rosales.

James enjoyed woodworking in his spare time and worked on gas engines. He and Avelina attended church regularly and those who knew him well knew him to be a man of great faith.

Survivors include his wife Avelina, of the home, in El Dorado Springs, Mo.; two sons, Jerry Heath of Harwood, Mo., and Redeemer Heath of the home in El Dorado Springs, Mo.; two sisters, Rachel Lee Owen of Schell City, Mo., and Flora Bea Allison and her husband, Dale, also of Sehell City; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services for James William Heath were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 30, at the First Baptist Church in Schell City, Mo., with the Revs. Garald Pugh and Doug Reynolds officiating. Musical selections were "Sweet By and By" and "Suppertime" by Paula Gray. Pallbearers were Larry Applegate, Frank Carlton, Fred Carlton, Bill McKinney, Buddy McKinney, Rob McKinney and Donny McKinney. Interment was in the Taberville Cemetery in Taberville, Mo.

Memorials are suggested to a fund for Redeemer Heath in care of the Farmers State Bank in Schell City.

Arrangements for Mr. Heath were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.