It's deeply saddening to learn of Jay's passing. In the time I knew him, he constantly demonstrated his selfless nature, his kindness and devotion to his family. One memory of him was on a cold winters night one of the dryers in his apartment complex caught fire. Jay not only alerted the fire department, but he single handedly worked to extinguish the flames. No doubt he saved the lives of his neighbors, his daughter and myself. That's who he was. Selfless, heroic and brave. I know he will be missed by all of us who were blessed to have known him.
Rest in peace, Jay. Thank you for everything.

I got a message in my inbox today and didn’t want to believe what it said. This was really tough news to hear. SGT Heath was a great Non Commissioned Officer, tanker, and friend. I served with SGT Heath at Ft Stewart and during OIF III. I was the Supply Sergeant for D TF 4-64. Sergeant Heath would always make sure he came by the supply room to ensure his soldiers on his tank had all of the creature comforts and things one would need for a tank crew in the field. He always made sure in the chow line his soldiers ate first and once they were good, he would then get his food. Thats the type of man he was. One to always put others needs above his own. The world has lost another great true hero. 

Until Valhalla my fellow NCO. Gone, but damn sure never forgotten. 

Jeff Arview
Sergeant E-5
US Army 1999-2006

John was a very good man, and an outstanding sergeant. He could always be counted on to do the right thing. He was disciplined and never faltered in the face of danger. He led his soldiers by example and presented a positive image that others wanted to immulate.

He will be miss by all of us that new and loved him. He was a good friend and gave me many haircuts, while we moved through Iraq to capture it's capitol. 

John helped the unit meet all it's objectives, and was instrumental in the company's "Thunder Run" mission to defeat the enemy and hold the city of Baghdad.

I am proud to have served with, and saddened by his loss. God bless him.

Jonathan M. Lustig
SFC (Ret.)
US Army

Dang..this hits hard…a great leader. I had the privilege of serving with SGT heath during Iraqi freedom. He took care of me during holidays. His leadership was that of service. He did what he asked me to do. Jesus. I wish I could have seen him again…

Jay you were a great loving nephew and I will dearly miss phone chats and discussions about your dad. You always knew how to make me laugh. Your dad is doing good but missing you greatly. We will miss you. We will see you again someday. Emily and Abby you were his pride and joy. He always talked about you. Reach out to us if you ever want to talk. Love and Hugs,  Aunt Jaynie and Uncle Dale and Family.

I’m very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. I know he was proud to have served his country and he would often talk about those experiences when we would talk. Even with all the pride that he had in being a soldier and defending his country, that pride pales in comparison  to the pride that he had in being a loving father to his girls.

Jay, 
Wishing you eternal peace, soldier.
Your Cousin,
Donald “Zeb” Heath

Dear Jay, you lost your battle with life, but won the love and respect of people who knew and loved you. Your kindness, love and compassion will be remembered by your family, friends, Army Brothers and co-workers…… your cats too and the strays you fed and made shelters for. 
You were the salt of the earth!!!
With love and pride, I say goodbye for now.
God Bless you and may God take you in his loving care.
Miss you,.
Love you,

Mom ❤️

Heidi, Emily, and Abby. As Jay's little brother I know the devastation I feel pales in comparison to your heartbreak. I was looking forward to reconnecting with him and meeting all of you. If you want to reach out anytime call/text me (2525585921). I miss you big bro.

It is with great sadness to hear of the loss of Jay.He was always kind and happy . I am sorry for the loss of him to his family.Prayers to you all .

Dear Jay,  May God hold you in the palm of his hands, you always had a great love for your dad, the two of you did so much together, your fight is over, Rest In Peace, Love Uncle Iggy

Dad, I don’t even know what to say. Don’t know what to do. Don’t know what you yourself would say to get us all through this. I’m lost & so broken dad. I miss you. I need you. I keep asking myself why did you leave so sudden. It destroys me. Since you left I can’t stop crying. I can’t stop talking to you hoping you are hearing me. 

Emma & I are so lucky and blessed to have you as our dad. As you would say, you are the first man to ever love us. You put us first. Always. Besides being a tanker as your favorite job, being a father clearly was your all time favorite. You were meant to be a dad, OUR dad. And we love our dad to the moon and back like that book. We are so proud of all your achievements, accomplishments, strengths & just who you are as a person. Nana and I talked and asked ourselves what flaw did you have, and we truly could not think of any. You were so selfless, loving, giving, hilarious, honest, understanding, encouraging and so much more. Truly a perfect person. I hold regret though. I should’ve talked to you every day instead of every few days. I should’ve saw you more. I should’ve told you I loved you more and how proud I was to have you as my dad. Since my life hit the fan last August, you have been there through and through. Gave me love but also honesty with everything. I appreciate everything you did so much. My favorite thing truly was to talk about my childhood and YOU. You are so wonderful and interesting and I feel such an overwhelming amount of pride. You did so much for this country and our family. You worked your ass off. You deserved such a better life. Also deserved more time. 

You should’ve given yourself more credit. Should have loved yourself more. I think you were suffering more than we knew. And I’m sure you were not expecting nor ready to leave. But you did, and I hope you’re feeling eternal peace. 

I will forever love you and I plan to run right into your arms whenever it’s my turn.

Love, Your favorite pain in the ”butt”

So sorry to see this happen.  I only meet you in January.. You were a very genuine person and you were so glad to share your knowledge and experience with me. You didn't need  to help me but you did. I will get with Dennis and the others to see about your little yard buddy 
!!

Jay was and always will be a dear friend. I served with Jay in the Persian Gulf War and our paths crossed in our Army careers later in life. I stood in his wedding party years ago and was honored to do so. Jay was always quick to bring light to any situation whenever we were deployed. He loved his tank and his Tanker Brethren. We have a saying when a fellow Tanker passes, that we will meet again on Fiddler's Green. I look forward to seeing you again, Jay. Until then, Rest Easy. - Chris Hochstetler 1SG US Army (Ret.)

OBITUARY

John "Jay" Heath

August 24, 1970 – June 15, 2024

Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Committal Service with Military Honors