Jimmie Godfrey Heath Sr.

Jimmie Godfrey Heath, Sr.; 71, of New Haven, CT, passed away on June 6th, 2023. Jimmie was born on March 24th, 1952, in Lumberton, NC, to James “Bobby” Chavis and Catherine Thompson.

After graduating from Richard C. Lee High School, Jimmie proudly served his country in both the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy where he participated in many life-saving missions around the world.  During his time spent in the Navy, he resided in Norfolk, VA and following his military service, Jimmie returned to his hometown of New Haven, CT, where he worked as a machinist.

In his free time, Jimmie enjoyed acquiring collectible aircrafts that he flew regularly. He was a lover of the arts and enjoyed attending concerts and plays. He was an artist himself and had a keen ear. He could pick up many an instrument and play without instruction and was also a member of the church choir in recent years. His sense of humor attracted many friends and he loved being the life of the party in his younger years.  Most of all, he liked to spend time with family and friends and poured his love into his children and grandchildren.

Jimmie is survived by his mother, Catherine Heath; his ex-wife, Karen Heath; his son, Jimmie Heath, Jr.; his daughters, Jamila Epps and Yolanda Barber; his grandchildren, Jimmie Heath, III; Gymesha Heath, Kayla Epps, and Logan Epps; and his sisters Gloria Stone and Gwendolyn Heath.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Chavis; his adoptive father, Richard Heath, Sr.; his brothers, Richard Heath, Jr. and Raymond Heath.