James Leach

James Leach, of Orient, Ohio, passed away on July 17, 2010, at home after a decline in health. He was 87. He was born on July 30, 1922, in Assumption, Illinois to Bruce and Wilna Leach. A proud Navy veteran of WWII, he served on the LST 78 in the Pacific achieving the rank of Chief Motor Machinist. While on shore leave in California, he met “the lovely Virginia from Ohio,” as he wrote to his mother in a cherished family letter, whom he married in March, 1945. After his discharge, Jim started work for Virginia’s father, C.M Jones, in the service department of his car lot in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. A born salesman and businessman, Jim soon moved into sales, and in the early 60’s became General Manager of Dutch Folk Chevrolet on W. Market Street in Akron, before opening Jim Leach Ford there in 1968. He was past VP of the Central Ohio Saddle Club Assn, past President of the Ohio LST/Amphib Association, a Mason, but more importantly, he was always a devoted husband and attentive father. His children hold fond memories of years traveling the horse show circuit with Dad as chief driver, strategist and banker. He went to win, and always encouraged them, never belittled them in their endeavors. He was a Blue Ribbon Dad in every respect.

Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Virginia, and survived by his children, Diana Garmendia, Key Biscayne, Fl., Mary Leach, Columbus, JB Leach, Columbus, his sister, Mary Greer, of Des Moines, Iowa, and six grandchildren, Ross Scheithauer, Louisiana, Gigi Garmendia, New York, David Scheithauer, Columbus, James Garmendia, New York, James Edward Leach, Massillon, and Kyle Leach, Columbus. Calling hours will be Thursday, July 22, 5-8pm at Porter-Tidd Funeral Home in Mt Sterling, Ohio, where a funeral service will be held at 8pm. Burial will take place at Western Reserve Military Cemetery in Rittman. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to the First United Methodist Church 110 S. London St. Mt.Sterling, OH 43143, or the Wexner Heritage Village of Columbus, Ohio.