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BORN
1942
DIED
2017
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James Leatherwood Obituary
Age 74, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Riverside, CA. Jim was born December 4, 1942 in Glendale, CA to parents Amy and Mike Leatherwood. After graduating from Cal State Northridge in 1966, he entered the Peace Corps and served for two years in Sierra Leone, West Africa. There he met the love of his life, Brenda, and they were married in 1968 in her home town of Pembury, England. They settled in Riverside, CA where Jim became an educator with a career spanning 33 years in the Alvord School District, Riverside County Office of Education, and finally at Riverside Community College. In later years, he became well known for his woodwork, especially his hand-made wooden toys which were donated to children's charities all over the Southern California area. Jim changed many lives for the better through his kindness, generosity, and deep desire to leave the world a better place than he found it. He will be deeply missed by his friends and especially his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Brenda; son Dan Leatherwood (Sharon); daughter Deborah Wertz (Bob), and his seven cherished grandchildren Annie, Aida, Andrew, Ashton, Avery, Michael, and Kelsey. He is also survived by brother, John Leatherwood and sister-in-law Terri; niece Kathleen, and nephew Jeff (Sharon). Services will be held at the Grove Community Church 19900 Grove Community Drive Riverside CA (use back entrance on Barton Road) on Saturday, March 11th at 5:00pm.
Memories and condolences may be sent to: achesonandgraham.com/dignitymemorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jim's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Leatherwood
Sponsored by Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary.
Kathy Wright
March 2, 2024
Just reread Jim's obituary. He was a good man who lead a good life. He left us too soon. I am honored to have known and worked with him.
Sam and Mary Scarbrough
March 2, 2024
Jim was a kind and caring friend. Excellent example of living the Character Traits listed in The Fruits of The Spirit. He often played Santa Claus and surprised many youngsters. He left us all too soon with fine memories. Godspeed to one and all. With love and caring.
Sam and Mary Scarbrough
March 15, 2023
Jim, Brenda, and Family always in our hearts.
Wonderful experential memories.
Sam and Mary Scarbrough
Kathy Wright
March 6, 2023
JIm was a wonderful man. I knew him best as a champion for the young people he worked with at Alvord USD. He left us too soon.
Dwight Tate
March 2, 2022
Such a good man, always putting students first. His legacy lives on in all the students he helped find their wayd
Kathy Wright
March 2, 2022
Such a nice smile, such a nice and good man. I was honored to have known and worked with him.
Karen Theriault
May 27, 2017
You are constantly on my mind.This is a sad, hard time for you and no words can change that. I hope your lovely family and friends can help you and God's love will guide and heal you.
Love,
Karen
Sara Bennett
May 27, 2017
I just found out the sad news. I am very sorry for your huge loss. Even though we have the hope in Jesus of being together one day again,I know it is very hard for those who stay behind, especially when you lose your life-long companion. I will be praying for you and the whole family.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ have flowed into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.."
2 Corthinthians 1:3-5
Nancy Woodard
May 5, 2017
We were neighbors of Jim and Brenda for many years. When our son Andrew was small, he and Jim were good friends and would meet regularly at the wall between our homes and "chat." At the time, Andrew went by the name "Bucky" at home, but they called him Andrew or Andy at school. It got sort of confusing and his teacher sent a note home asking that we choose one official name for him to go by so everyone would know what to call him. I sat down with Andrew and explained that he would need to choose just one name for everyone to call him and he needed to pick his favorite name. He said, "I choose 'Jim' because that is my best friend's name."
Jim Burnett
May 5, 2017
I wanted to say how sorry I am about Jim's passing. He was always so kind to me when they were at church or when we were at Debbie's family functions. He was a good man and this is such a great loss. I wish we were able to be there with you all to pray for you in person, but just know we are praying for you from here. Praying God's peace in this stormy time. We are grateful to have your family in our lives.
Chuck Ward
May 3, 2017
How incredibly sad. I truly enjoyed Jim and his sense of humor and his willingness to let you design with color. I mentioned more than once that working with both of you on your beach cottage was like working with two kids putting together their first home. I'm so, so sorry. I have been thinking of you two lately. You ALWAYS have a friend in Oceanside.
Kathy Wright
May 3, 2017
Jim was a professional and a gentleman of the highest caliber. He cared deeply about the students and the Alvord District. He was a great problem solver and could figure out how to make things happen. Jim was a behind the scenes kind of guy, not really wanting accolades.He just wanted to do good things for the kids.
It was a great loss to the Alvord District when he left but he moved on to impact the lives of many other students. It was my pleasure and honor to have worked with
him.
This was written for the Old Fogies Novi Luncheon
Kathleen Leatherwood
May 3, 2017
Auntie Brenda - my heart is broken too. Words cannot express how much I love you both and how much Uncle Jim will be missed. I am so deeply sorry. I love you.
Anne Phillips
May 3, 2017
I am so sorry to hear that Jim has passed away and I can understand the hole in your heart. I remember Jim in Sierra Leone and then when John and I visited you and the family in the USA in 1975. I remember the wonderful time there when you took us to Disneyland. It is wonderful how we have managed to keep in touch at Christmas. I was so pleased to read Jim's book.
I thank God for your shared faith and pray that you will feel the strong hands of God supporting you. Psalm 68v17 Blessed be the Lord who daily bears us up.
With love and prayer
Ron Vito
May 3, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim was a very special person who mentored me in many ways and his dignity and honor will never leave me.
Wayne and Marie Enstice
May 3, 2017
I am SHOCKED and heartbroken. Marie and I extend our deepest sympathies as we join you and your family in mourning. Jim was a prince of a guy and I shall miss his presence in my life. I am glad that Jim and I talked after the holidays. I was equally delighted to get Jim's email with images of the toys he made. I hope that he got my email in response that celebrated his creations. We are in utter disbelief that Jim is gone.
Carole and Michael Lee
May 3, 2017
We were devastated to receive the news about Jim. The news at Christmas seemed so positive. We can't begin to imagine how you and your family are feeling but from the lovely photos you sent on your card we know that you have many happy memories of times together. When the shock of this awful time passes they are what will remain. May God strengthen and comfort you.
With our love and prayers.
Pat Brinker
May 3, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of your loss and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. As you heard me say, I did know Jim so many years ago when I was trying to establish my classroom program for pregnant teens in the Alvord School District.He was a counselor at La Sierra at the time and my contact there. He was so supportive of the girls who came to him in such a difficult situation and so very supportive of what I was trying to establish. He made many referrals to me when some in the district did not. I have never forgotten that and only wish I had the chance to tell him so. But I wanted you to know.
Jill and David Williams
April 29, 2017
We are so sorry to read that Jim has passed away. We send you and all the family our love and sympathy. Words seem inadequate at such a time as this so our prayer for you all is that God's comfort and love will sustain you whether busy or alone. God bless you. Love
Aida and Scott Laughlin
April 29, 2017
We are shocked and saddened to hear about Jim. I just can't believe it. We are so sorry. We know that you all all miss him so much, so we grieve with you. We will pray that the Lord will hold you close during these days and that you will find comfort as you gather together. Love you
Annette Palmer
April 29, 2017
I am so sorry about the loss of dear Jim. Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a good and kind man. He was so sympathetic to me when my mother passed away. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian and Margaret Banks
April 29, 2017
There are no words Brenda, save that we hold you in our prayers. Every blessing.
Sarah Fix
April 29, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a truly wonderful man who touched our family with such a gentle kindness. We are sending much love to you and the family.
Dan Leatherwood
April 20, 2017
Yesterday my Dad, Jim Leatherwood passed into the presence of the Lord. Just a week and a half before he and my mom had been baptized hand-in-hand at church to reaffirm their desire to walk wherever God led them. Yesterday, as Ashton said, "Papa's journey hasn't finished, now it is starting." He was a great man who cared about others and poured himself and his energy into each one. We know that he is with the Lord and so we will see him again, but saying "see you later" now is hard. Please pray for my mom, Brenda as well as the whole family who will miss having him with us, although each of us only has to look in the mirror to see how the Lord used different things in his life to make us who we are today.
Debbie Wertz
April 20, 2017
My family has suffered a great loss this week as my Dad, Jim Leatherwood, passed away on Thursday. He was the kindest, most generous, dedicated and grateful man I have ever known. I was blessed to be his daughter and hope that my life touches others even half as much as his did.
Mirna Bobadilla
April 20, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. May God bless his soul and receive him in heaven with open arms. May you and your family hold on to the beautiful memories you created together. You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless
LaToya Bernard-Wallace
April 20, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss Brenda. Your love for each other was so beautifully amazing. Even to an outsider it was incredibly clear how much you meant to each other. You will meet again. So much love, prayers and blessings to you and your family.
Marina Capella
April 20, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know how much he meant to you and your children. May God give you the strength to endure this loss and may his memories warm your heart. Take care my friend.
Lisa Rollins
April 18, 2017
Brenda, I am so very sorry for your loss! Although I don't know if I ever met Jim, I feel I did through all your wonderful stories of him. What a wonderful life! Sending you hugs and prayers.
Nancy O'Rafferty
April 18, 2017
The loss is sudden and insurmountable. Our hearts ache for you and your family. Jim definitely made the world a better place. May God gently guide you day by day as you travel this sad time.
Warren Sutphen
April 18, 2017
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I am so glad and blessed that I knew Jim. What a good man!
Kay Burnett
April 18, 2017
We love you, Brenda and are praying for you and the entire family.I was thanking God this morning for the gift of knowing Jim these last 17 years through your visits to Flagstaff and Northland Christian Assembly.He was such a joy to be around. Love and prayers
Bob Wertz
April 17, 2017
Brenda, we are all so sorry for your loss. Jim was a person of exceptional character and so many other extraordinary qualities, too many to list in this post. I will always cherish the memories of him over the years, there are so many! We are all so thankful for the privilege of having such a remarkable role model in our lives. Cheers, Jim!
Jeff Leatherwood
April 17, 2017
Sharon and I share your loss and your pain but I am also smiling and laughing through my tears at the unparalleled joy, wisdom and humor Uncle Jim imparted on my life. He was a remarkable man, a true inspiration to me, and no doubt to countless others. I cannot overstate the impact that he (and you) and your relationship have had on guiding me and Sharon through this complex world. Uncle Jim's unique blend of curiosity and empathy have always served as guideposts for me on my quest to leave this world better than I found it, a task he took seriously and most certainly succeeded at.
Santi Peregrino
April 17, 2017
When I visited Jim's home in California I told him I really liked the music of Randy Travis.That same evening, he surprised me with 2 CDs of this great artist. Today I listen to them in Jim's honor. I know that you are singing with Randy from the sky. Thank you for being you, for your infinite goodness, for your immense heart and for the legacy you have left behind in your family. For all the memories that we will never forget. Thanks for everything Jim. Rest in Peace my friend!!!
Shannon Hanks Grandia
April 16, 2017
Most of today was spent getting ready for a celebration, Ry's 16th birthday tomorrow, but then we stopped for a different type of celebration, to remember an incredible man. We knew Jim Leatherwood through his amazing wife, Brenda who I had the privilege of teaching with in Rialto. We soon discovered we both lived in Riverside and went to the same church. Brenda retired and over the years it was a joy to see them at church. Jim always gave us a big hug and made sure to ask about the kids. They have been a constant support and encouragement as we have struggled with TSC. When Luke was in hospital this past summer and obsessed with pirates, we learned of Jim's amazing talent of toy making. Despite his own battle with cancer, he built Luke an amazing pirate ship of wood and made him an incredible card to go with it. Inside Jim wrote,"You are brave and bold and I love your smile." After a rough month, the smile that boat bought meant more than words can say! My heart broke when I returned home from DC and learned that Jim had passed away the previous day. As we sat at the memorial and listened to the memories and stories, I was reminded that a small act of kindness can have an overwhelming effect. Caring for others, having a heart for others and a giving heart is a beautiful thing that makes a tremendous impact! Love you Brenda and so very grateful for Jim, the gift he so thoughtfully gave Luke and the daily reminder I get watching Lu play with it about loving others! Jim will be so very missed, but grateful we will one day see him again and get to tell him stories of the years of joy that pirate ship bought!
Ashton Leatherwood
April 16, 2017
Amazing does not even start to describe him. He was a person who put others before himself. He is someone you can only dream of being like.
O'Neill Louchard
April 16, 2017
I am very sad to hear this news. My condolences to the family. Jim was a classmate of mine at Burbank High School. We kept in touch off and on and he sent me his book a few years ago. Last time we saw each other for coffee was when I went to a reunion at UCR in the early 2000's. Lovely man.
Ann Kurtz
April 16, 2017
So very sad. Jim was truly revered by so many. He was one of a kind and I'm so honored to have worked with him.
Ben Johnson
April 16, 2017
He will be missed. What a wonderful human being.
Charles Curtis
April 16, 2017
I remember the skits we put on for the Work Experience kids at Norte Vista. I got so into my role that I even cracked Jim up one time. Maybe more than one time. He was fun to work with. I will miss him terribly.
Richard Savarese
April 16, 2017
Jim and I were partners in education for many years in Alvord. Jim's unconditional regard for all people was a model I aspired to. He will always be remembered in the hearts of others.
Samantha Freund
April 16, 2017
The world lost a truly kind and amazing man today. He was a gift to my family and I will always have special memories of how a great a person he was. My heart is breaking for his family and our prayers are with them. How blessed we were to be given a chance to know him. In loving memory, RIP Jim. We will miss you.
Jane Moore
March 15, 2017
Brenda, whenever I think of Jim, I picture him just as he is in his portrait--smiling, positive, open to friendship and conversation. Even in brief encounters, it was obvious, Brenda, how much he loved you and your family. He was a role model for so many and in so many circumstances both in attitude and service. I was blessed to know him.
Kathy Wright
March 13, 2017
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Jim in Alvord Unified School District. He was the consummate professional who cared deeply for the students he served and the district. I can not think of a better role model and representative of our profession than Jim.
Bill Hedrick
March 13, 2017
Dear Brenda--I was so very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. You and your family are in my prayers at this very difficult time.
March 10, 2017
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Jim, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Samuel Scarbrough
March 9, 2017
First met Jim out in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, remember that because he mentioned that he was working for Alvord Continuation School. Later met him again in a Masters Program at Cal. State San Bernardino, CA and we learned that we lived around the corner from each other in the Sun Gold Tract of homes built in the 1950s. At one time our families both had visions of living and building lives in the South Fork and Oakhurst areas of the Sierras. Those visions never became reality even though several people purchased land to build on-and eventually kept their homes in the Riverside area. We always enjoyed our interactions with Jim and Brenda. For a brief time Jim and I worked together in Franklin Life Insurance. We were at a conference in Phoenix when Brenda fell and Jim and I flew back home that night early. Fortunately Brenda recovered well. Jim was proud of their little dog getting Brenda help immediately from a neighbor. Always enjoyed the stories of their Peace Core, Jim's love of nature, woodworking, and service. I remember a discussion we had walking one night as we spoke of all the great people we would never know who live throughout the planet and how marvelous it would be to have that awareness of the good that is provided by their lives. Jim and Brenda added to those good works throughout their life together. We appreciated sharing our homemade soup with your family, the visit of Santa Claus, the playhouse for our daughters, and being God Parents to our children. We love you and your family Brenda, and hope for all of us to be in an eternity of continued illumination and adventure. Words are always insufficient-may the great memories of your adventure through life together bring you and your family joy, comfort, and strength in God's Grace and Promise. We will all miss Jim's positive and caring presence.
Mary Scarbrough
March 10, 2017
Jim and Brenda were godparents to our daughters, Samantha and Jennifer. What a precious gift to know that if something happened to us, our daughters would be receive love and guidance. I will always be grateful for that. When I was going to interview for a principal position, Jim taught me how to interview. He was a skilled teacher. I give him credit for that position I was given. He was a wonderful friend. I also remember when Brenda and Jim took care of our two dogs while we moved into our new house. Ginger escaped and returned home. She was rescued by them and returned to their house. I am so thankful that God placed Jim in our lives. We will miss him but never forget the good memories. Brenda, my prayers are with you and I love you.
Dick Butler
March 9, 2017
I met Jim in Peace Corps training in Chicago in 1966. During that summer we became friends and at one time attempted to march in a parade with Martin Luther King protesting unfair housing in northwest Chicago. Later in Sierra Leone we weren't stationed near each other but did get together a few times to share a Star beer or two. He was a great guy and had a sincere love for his students and Sierra Leoneans in general. It was a pleasure to know Jim and to be his friend. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.
March 8, 2017
Remembrance of Jim Leatherwood: Dear Man, Mild Mannered, Dedicated, Caring...What more could the CHOICES Program have asked for? Coming generations know not what they'll miss. Blessings to family and colleagues.
Gary A. Frizzell, Author of CHOICES.
Shanyn Warren
March 8, 2017
When I knew Mr. Leatherwood, it was as my first boss and mentor. He taught me about responsibility, life skills, and let me come up with and teach a job skills curriculum. He always encouraged my goal to be a teacher and was happy when I reached that goal thanx to so many people in my life like him. I remember one time he had told me to dress up for a presentation we would be doing the next day. I forgot about it and dressed more casual.He sent me home to change and then would not let me do the presentation after all . This was the only time I saw him mad. Obviously I never made that mistake again and I became a better employee under his guidance. My greatest memory was how easily he smiled. For his family, I just want you to know that my heart is broken and I will never forget how he changed my life.
Leo Muller
March 8, 2017
I have known Jim for 33 years through our common commitment to the success of students through school-business partnerships. In 1984 a Seattle dad named Gary Frizzell had found a way to reach his troubled teenage son who was at risk of dropping out of school, and in the process came up with an innovative program to connect with teens about the importance and value of staying in school. In anticipation of creating a nonprofit organization to offer the program nationwide, of which I was a part, we were looking for places to test our new CHOICES program. Jim welcomed us to Norte Vista High School in Riverside, CA, which was our first test site outside of Seattle. His support and the success of the program helped us begin a journey that has since brought CHOICES to more than 6 million teens across the US and beyond. When Gary retired in 1996, I was promoted to director of CHOICES Education Group, and Jim and I stayed in regular touch through the years. Then in 2007 Jim wrote a book, "Facing the Future Together Forming Successful School-Business Partnerships," which included CHOICES as an example of such a partnership (pp. 97-103). Jim and I have stayed in touch more recently in his retirement, including on email and Facebook. From all of us at CHOICES, and on behalf of the 6+ million teens who have benefited from what he did to help CHOICES get off the ground, and support it again in his book, we offer our condolences to Jim's family and friends, and our deep appreciation for Jim's commitment to helping others especially youth. His was a life well-lived.
Madelyn Warner
March 8, 2017
Jim was one of the first teachers I got to know when I started teaching at Alvord's Continuation School back in the 70's. He was a great, supportive friend and colleague and he will be missed.
Shanyn Warren
March 7, 2017
I remember Mr. Leatherwood as my first boss and mentor. He taught me how to work hard, be responsible, and love my kids. I was a peer counselor at Novi for 5 years and my best memory of him was how easy he smiled. To his family I want you to know that I am heart broken. I wiil never forget him and now that I too am an educator, I hope to help carry on his legacy
Jenny Holden
March 7, 2017
Brenda, you have my love and prayers as you go through this unimaginable time. Most of my memories of Jim were as a kid, and they were always full of joy- I remember him dressing up as Santa and coming to our house, and how red his cheeks were, and just how jolly he was. He made the perfect Santa, because he always had a smile for us...when I think of Jim, I can't think of a time where I did not see him smiling. He exuded joy and kindness, and I only hope that I can follow his example. I wish that I could be there as you say goodbye to Jim, but I will be with you in spirit.
Mara Vernon
March 6, 2017
My love, support, and prayers are with Brenda, Deb and her family, and all of the family and friends touched by Jim's life. For the past 28+ years, Jim and Brenda have been a beautiful example to me; truly inspiring. Parents of my best friend. Grandparents to a slew of amazing grand kids. Volunteers in their community and beyond. Educational leaders. Generous, kind people. The kind of people who love life, and life loves them back. The kind of people whose love is reflected in each other and the strength of their relationship. The kind of people who love you, and you love them back exponentially. I have told them many times over the years how grateful I am for who they are; for the legacy they created. My heart has broken with my beautiful friends for the loss of Jim. And, I am grateful that his legacy lives on in those he loved and impacted. We are many. I am grateful for Brenda and the family that they are surrounded by so much love and grace during this indescribable time of grief and transition. With love and support always.
MICHAEL & ELLEN CUNHA
March 5, 2017
WE MET JIM DURING PEACE CORPS IN SIERRA LEONE IN 1966. I REMEMBER HOW HELPFUL HE WAS AFTER OUR MARATHON TRIP IN THE AIR AND THEN BY ROWD TO NJALA UNIVERSITY FOR ORIENTATION. I ALSO REMEMBER THE LITTLE TRICK HE SHOWED US WITH A SODA BOTTLE CAP AND HOW TO GET IT TO SAIL THROUGH THE AIR LIKE A FRISBEE. TO THIS DAY I THINK OF JIM EVERY TIME I HOLD A BOTTLE CAP IN MY HAND. THANKS JIM
Meg Valiqiuet
March 5, 2017
My love and condolences to Brenda and her family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Cunningham
March 5, 2017
My condolences to the Leatherwood faimily. I only know of Jim through my brother Bob Wertz, father in law of Debbie Leaerwood/Wertz.. We absolutely love Debbie and she quickly won our hearts as she became a part of our family. I believe Jim will live on in the lives of those he left behind in many ways.
Sincerely Mary Wertz Cunningham.
March 4, 2017
Jim, thank you for being such a wonderful friend. We will meet again. Mary Ryder
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