Photo courtesy of Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home - Lake Orion
Mr. Leach was a wonderful person. My mother Helen lived on Miller and Jim has been well liked for years. Tina Walzer Jackson
tina walzer jackson
December 08, 2015 | Lake Orion, MI | Neighbor
Jim was a true gentleman and a loyal friend. When he was young - we first met in the fourth grade - he was quiet, good natured, unassumimg, and seemed to always have a smile. When we were in high school, Jim kept those same qualities, though with an added underlying composure and a dedication to service [scouting, our class activities, sports team manager] that gave him a maturity which exceeded most of us [perhaps all of us] in our "L.O.H.S. Class of 1957".
We were blessed to...
Steve Ruebelman
December 14, 2015 | Port Huron, MI
Jim to a man we have called friend for over 40+ years know that you will be missed,we have shared in your life with so much,the long talks you and I had with pappy,Jim Jr becoming president of your beloved lions,when you and I were euchere partners in the lions club the list is endless,l was also very privileged to be your best man to your lovey wife Karol.know that our hearts are sad that you are gone,but take joy in knowing you will never be forgotten.to your family carol,Jim Jr,Laurie we...
Dave Wheatcroft
December 12, 2015 | Oxford, MI
Chief Leach you are the best. You are the reason I became a police officer. With your guidance and at times firm but fair discipline, you taught me how to be an officer. I will never forget you and your smile.
Jon Kirken
December 11, 2015 | Clarkston, MI
Remembering all our good times in our younger years in Bunny Run. Was sorry to get this sad news. Am in Texas, so will not be able to attend the funeral. My deepest sympathy to the Leach family.
Richard Hedderich
December 11, 2015 | Traverse City, MI
Our neighbor on Miller Rd. when my family lived in Lake Orion years ago. Fine man who loved his family and served his community with the same devotion. Rest in peace. My condolences to the family.
Dr. Mark Adams
December 10, 2015 | Salem, VA
Love you
Kimberly Thiede
December 10, 2015
To the Leach Family:
As I said to Jim last night:
Lionism aside, Dear friend, I love you, I will miss you and Thanks!
The Good Lord must have a big plan to take one of the best I have ever known from us, I cannot wait to see what it is.
I hold the family and my friend in prayer.
Love you all
Kimberly Thiede
December 10, 2015 | Roseville, MI
It would take a lifetime to list all of the great qualities that Chief Leach exhibited, both personally and professionally. I have never met anyone that truly cared about people like Chief Leach did. I owe my professional success to his mentoring and he provided a swift kick when needed. My Wife and I will miss him very much.
Mark Silver
December 09, 2015 | Fenton, MI
James "JIM" R. Leach Sr. born on North Broadway in the Village of Lake Orion on March 13, 1939. He passed away December 6, 2015 at 76 years of age and lived all of his life in Lake Orion. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Samuel & Josephine Leach and his daughter Kathleen. He was the brother of Sharon Wittkopp; loving husband of Karol; father of Carol Ketelsen, Laurie Dufour, and James Jr.; the Other Dad of Kim Leach; Step Father of Lynn Schlaf and Barbara (Mark) Schuller; grandpa for six and great-grandpa for two. Jim had been with the Lake Orion Police Department for 55 years and served as Police Chief for 19 years when he retired in 2001. He served as the President of the Oakland County Chiefs of Police in 1990-91 and served as a Firefighter for Orion Township for 19 years. He was elected as one of the last Constables for Orion Township. Jim was a Charter Member of the Lake Orion DeMolay and served as Master Counselor in Lake Orion and also served as a State Officer. He served as the Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack #37 and was a Little League Coach for Little League Baseball. Jim has been a member of the Lake Orion/Oxford Knights of Columbus Council #4764 for 49 years. Jim served in the US Army from 1956 to 1964 and is a member of the Amvets Post 108 in Oxford. Jim has been a member of Lions International for 55 years and is a member of the Rochester Lions Club. He has served as the President of Rochester, Chesterfield Bay, and Lake Orion Lions Club. He also served as the District Governor for Oakland and Macomb Counties in 1985-86. Jim served on the Board of Directors for Penrickton Center for Blind and Handicapped Children for 32 years. He also served as the President of the Board for Penrickton Center in 1989-90. Jim was one of the Founding Lion Members on the Lake Orion Lions Camp for Vision Impaired Children that is now called the Lions Bear Lake Camp. Jim was given the Melvin Jones Award and the Progressive Melvin Jones Award. He has been also given several awards for his work as a District 11-A2 Lions Editor for the Lions State Magazine. He has been given several Governors Appreciation Awards for his work in District 11-A2. Jim was given the United States President’s Lifetime Volunteer Award. Viewing will be Wednesday and Thursday from 3-9 at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home located at 111 East Flint Street, Lake Orion. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00am at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church located at 140 East Flint, Lake Orion. Interment Eastlawn Cemetery. At the request of Jim Leach, PLEASE NO FLOWERS. Make a memorial donation to the Penrickton Center for Blind and Handicapped Children, Leader Dogs for the Blind and/or Lions Bear Lake Camp in his name. Envelopes will be at the funeral home. Reflections may be shared with the family by visiting www.sparksgriffin.com.
Read More
