James A. "Jim" Leach's Obituary
James A. “Jim” Leach was born October 25, 1940 in Houston, Texas to James M. and Kathleen Leach.
Jim loved life. He was a fighter and survivor of cancer not only once but twice. Jim died September 17, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.
Jim was a student at Jefferson Davis High School and later attended and played football for Texas A&M University. He moved to East Texas from Houston after being transferred with the phone company. He was a dedicated employee for Southwestern Bell Telephone and retired after 38 years of service. Jim was honored to serve as the State Aerie President (1999 – 2000) and District 6 Secretary for the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He also served as officer for the Elks Lodge in Longview for several years.
Jim and Pam were happily married for 32 years and enjoyed traveling and charity work. Jim was a loving husband, father, and stepfather. He is survived by one son, Michael Leach, and grand-daughter Jennifer Leach. Stepchildren, Sabra and Donnie Mitchell, Christina and Johnny Croley, Kelli and Patrick Clayton, David Adams and Nitza Zapata, Candi and Blane Dawson. He was happy to be known to all as “Paw Paw Jim”. He was blessed with grand-children, Spencer McCown, Summer McCown, Cari Lopasky, Joe Croley, Amanda Croley, Jeff Croley, Cassie Croley, Haley Adams, Cady Jenkin, Noell Jordan, Rocky Dawson, and Josh Dawson, and many great grandchildren. Jim also is survived by two brothers, Larry and spouse Faye Leach and Mark Leach.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman. The many memories we have of Jim include him riding and raising horses, working in his huge garden every year, and hunting on the dear lease. He will truly be missed by all.
We would like to thank the many nurses and doctors who took wonderful care of Jim at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Sunday, September 20 at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. There will be a graveside held at 10AM Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston Texas.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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