James M. Heath ’54 *64

Jim died June 2, 2025.

Born in England, he prepared at Priory School in Surrey, and at Jamaica High School on Long Island, N.Y., where he was active in publications. Jim majored in classics and wrote his senior thesis on the Roman general and politician Catiline. He was a member of Cloister Inn.

While serving for two years in the Army, he became a citizen of the United States and Puerto Rico. He then earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in classics at Princeton in 1964 while teaching at Kenyon College and Rice University. Jim married Ann Wilson in 1965.

He began teaching classics at Bucknell in 1966, chaired the department for 20 years, and retired in 1997. He is remembered as a gracious colleague and was beloved by his students. He loved golf, sweet treats, and word play, putting English phrases and mottos into classical Latin.

In retirement he became active as a lay person in the Episcopal Church, helping congregations in the transition between pastors. He and Ann enjoyed extensive travel in England, Scotland, and Italy, and were competitive bridge players. Ann died in 2018.

Jim is survived by his son, Andrew; daughters, Sarah and Martha; and two grandchildren, Olivia and Ian.