JOE C. LEACH

LEACH--Joe C. Joe C. Leach, originally of Brownwood, Texas, passed away on December 28, 2010. Joe came from humble beginnings in Brownwood, where his academic drive and basketball skills eventually earned him a full scholarship at Howard Payne University. After graduating, Joe gave back to his beloved home state as both a basketball coach and biology teacher. In the early 70s, his natural abilities in business carried him first to Dallas and later to Sydney, Australia, where he discovered the first designer denim: "JAG" jeans. He then opened the first ever jeans-only store in Beverly Hills, CA. After making his mark on the fashion world, Joe changed courses and went to work in finance for his mentor, Alan Greenberg, at the Los Angeles office of Bear Stearns. It was there that Joe's trademark tenacity, honesty and humility earned him the trust of those around him and allowed him to cultivate a thriving business and build precious friendships, both of which he lovingly nurtured for over thirty years. In addition to being a successful businessman and entrepreneur, Joe was a genuine bon vivant. Friends were always greeted with a warmhearted smile and notoriously good humor. In his free time, Joe loved to play golf and was an avid sports aficionado. Throughout his life, Joe remained proud of his modest roots and returned to Texas as often as he could. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Heyson Leach, and sons Skip Morelock Leach of Dallas and Scott Leach of Los Angeles. Predeceasing him were his parents Carl and Juanita Leach and brother Ronald Leach. Joe's favorite quote, "Life is not about learning to survive the storm, but rather learning how to dance in the rain..." We are all blessed to have danced with him. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Vintage Club Employees Scholarship Fund 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 201B Palm Desert, CA 92211 Telephone: (760)674-9080 Fax: (760) 674-8121