James Heath was born on the 30th November 1848 in Horton Parish Staffordshire.
James seemingly also helped Mr A. L. Reade the author of the book The Reades of Blackwood Hill, In The Parish of Horton, Staffordshire, with some of his research into the Heath family, even though James himself was not related to the Reade family but his wife Ann nee Heath and his children were. James of Hillcroft Spencer Avenue Leek was listed in the book. James also seemingly sent Mr Reade a copy of his late brother George's poems.
The first photograph is James Heath the builder
The second photograph is of church builder, James Heath and his family outside his house in Spencer Avenue, Leek. I will divide the family into two rows as follows: Back Row: Harold Heath, Elsie Heath, Norman Heath Smith, George William Heath and Harriet Elsie Heath (daughter of James Heath) with husband, John Joseph Campbell Smith. Front Row: James Heath with grandson Stanley James Smith, Helen and Charles Heath with son Reginald, Ronald Heath Smith (my father) and finally Ann Heath. This photo was taken shortly before Charles Heath and family emigrated to Canada.
George William Heath of 8 Gall Road March Cambridgeshire sapper R.E died on the 27th January 1917 at Leek.
Photographs were kindly emailed to me by D H Smith.

Staffordshire Advertiser Saturday 26 May 1923
Death of Mr Jas. Heath of Leek.
Leek lost a prominent citizen last week of Spencer Avenue, head of the well known building firm of James Heath and Sons.
He was widely esteemed and contributed very largely to the enhancement of the town by the attractive, as well as substantial character of the work which his firm carried out of this All Saints' Church, will be an enduring monument to future generations of thorough and good taste which marked all that he undertook and he made it a labour of love to put his best in every respect into the designs supplied to him by Mr Norman Shaw, and when the additions now in progress are completed, the Church will be one of the most beautiful in the country.
Mr Heath was a son of Mr and Mrs Heath of Hallgate Farm, Gratton and brother of George Heath the "Moorland Poet". After opening a business at Endon, Mr Heath came to Leek in 1901 and established the business in Shoobridge Street, which he carried on until about 17

years ago when he resigned it to his son in law Mr J Campbell Smith, who is now in control of its operations.
He was a strong Churchman greatly enjoying the Ministry of the former Vicar of All Saints, the Rev W B Wright.
He was an ardent Freemason being Worshipful. Master of St Edward's Lodge in 1905 and P. Prov G.W. of Stafford as well as Chaplin of his lodge in 1873-4.
Warden of All Saints 1906-9 and was the council manager of the school as well as serving as a guardian for several years.
Also he was a director of Leek United Building Society.
James fell asleep on May 18th 1923 aged 74 years.
The coffin was carried by six workmen of the firm. On the coffin was a brass plate with the inscription James Heath. Fell asleep on May 18th 1923 aged 74 years
The funeral took place on Tuesday morning at All Saints Church and was conducted by the Vicar Rev W. G. Keyworth and Curate Rev A. E. Passey.
Choir Master Mr Fred Edwards


Organist Mr Ed Bayley
The hymns were
Now the labourers task is done
On the resurrection morning
And Chopins Marche Funebre
The family mourners were
Mr and Mrs J. C. Smith (son in law and daughter)
Mr E Smith and Mr S. J. Smith (grandsons)
Mrs G. W. Heath (daughter in law)
Mr and Mrs W Wood (nephew and niece)
Mr C. H. Heath and Mr John Heath (brothers in law)
Mr H. A. Heath and Mr F. E Aggas (nephews)
Miss Olive Tatton and Miss Gray.
Also other mourners attended representing St Edward's Lodge of Freemasons, Leek United and the Midlands Bank, and the Building Trade Employers.