The campus community mourns the passing of James Heath, 91, who died Monday, June 2, 2025. Jim retired as a classics professor in 1997 after more than 30 years of service at Bucknell. Jim’s expertise was in Roman historians, especially Tacitus. He is remembered as a gracious and learned colleague who was beloved by his students, many of whom have remarked on his lasting influence on their lives. Jim was always ready to help faculty, students and staff across departments interact with the ancient world — putting English phrases and mottos into classical Latin, giving overviews of literary and historical trends, and recommending reading.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Jim’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
Jim Heath died on June 2 after a recent illness. His family attended to him in his final moments.
He was born in England, and came to the United States after World War II, eventually earning American citizenship through military service. A quiet, determined man, Jim was known for his love of golf, sweet treats, and word play. He was an alumnus of Princeton University. He retired from Bucknell University, where he taught Classics. Eventually he came to Bloomington, Indiana, where he was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.
His parents, his wife, Ann, and his brother Patrick preceded him in death. Surviving are his son Andrew (Kathleen), Sarah (Jody), Martha (Brian) and two grandchildren Olivia (Brandon) and Ian.
Thanks go to IU Health Bloomington Hospice House, Bell Trace Health and Living, and Jim’s whole care team. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to local public libraries, NPR, or the Arthritis Foundation.
Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 has been entrusted with the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Heath, a highly civilized and gentlemanly person who was helpful to me in my first few years at Bucknell when he was the associate editor of the Bucknell Review. In that role, Jim worked sensitively and methodically to maintain and enhance the quality of the publication. He never sought the limelight or to take the credit that was his due, but there was no question that the Bucknell Review’s high reputation, in the 80s and 90s, was in no small part due to Jim’s work in collaboration with our late colleague Pauline Fletcher. RIP.