Richmond, Virginia
LEIGH, James Edward Jr., 44, of Henrico County, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2010. He is survived by his parents, James E. Leigh Sr. and Shirley C. Leigh; sons, Adam Rex Leigh and his mother, Sharon Cosby Leigh, Matthew Edward Leigh and his mother, Kimberly H. Bentley; sister, Karen L. Rakshys and her husband, Steve; aunt, Nancy Shelton and husband, Bud; uncle, Lewis Crone Jr. and wife, Deborah; nephews, Bryce and Evan Rakshys; cousins, Donna Shelton, Dana Gates, Jake Shelton, Dawn Craft, Christopher Crone; and many, many friends. He was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local No. 51 (IUEC No. 51) for 26 years. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 1. Interment will be at Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund for Adam Rex and Matthew Edward Leigh, c/o BB&T Bank, 4799 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Uncle Jimmy it's been a long time. I think of you often. And home on the corner is not the same. I miss hearing you on a Friday night singing Lynyrd Skynyrd. You gave me advice when I needed it and you always new how to talk to me without making me feel worse. I'm now almost 40. And I am in California wishing for your advice because I don't know what to do. I miss you
Steven Via
September 29, 2021 | Family
Jimmy,
You've been gone for a year but you are missed every single day. I'm sure your proud of your little ones right now because I know you've been watching them from above, you will even have a new addition to the family! I know you would have been the best grandpa, just like you were a father, friend, son, and uncle. We love you Jimmy.
Leslie Burruss Cipriani
June 29, 2011 | Mechanicsville, VA
I tell ya dad i go through every day missing you. Im glad you surrounded me with people that I could look to as role models to help me get through this life without you. I want to thank you for everything including bringing me into this world and also matthew. He misses you to death. Trust me, i have plenty of stories for him to hear until he is old enough to really understand. Take care of everyone and say hi to Daniel and Wesley up there for me. Love you Big Daddy
Rex Leigh
January 08, 2011 | VA
I am deeply saddened with the loss of Jimmy.I knew Jimmy since our days at Dover and continued to remain friends with him.Life delt a few curves through the years but I always knew Jimmy to stay positive and thoughtful of others.I always knew I could count on Jimmy if I needed him.A great friend and Father. I will cherish the stories we shared. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tony and Cindy Gilbert
July 07, 2010 | Hanover, VA
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief. My son Kyle & Rex were on the same state tournament bowling team & were doubles partners during this weekend. Kyle & his sister Tori lost their father (also a James, Jr.) to a two year battle with cancer the same weekend (Saturday June 26th). For these two boys to be partners at this time, I know God was with them to help them get through this together. Our hearts go out to Rex and his family.
Donna, Kyle & Tori Arpe
July 05, 2010 | Glen Allen, VA
such a good man and father gone way to soon. Rex and Matthew and the family you are all in my prayers always. remember boys Daddys your angel now and will always be with you.
jennifer nye
July 05, 2010 | Highland Springs, VA
Sorry for your loss, Jimmy was a great guy, My heart goes out to you
James and Laurie Davis
July 04, 2010 | Sandston,, VA
JIMMY AND SHIRLEY, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND KNOW THAT YOU FEEL BAD-GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF JR. IN THE WAY THAT ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW-GOD BLESS-LARRY AND MARY THOMAS
July 02, 2010
To a good friend and a great ball player. I can remember coaching you. I'm gonna miss you. Although through the years time passes & we only could chat every now & then. Baseball was our life. I'm still coaching now - can't seem to get it out of my system. Wow, you are in Heaven what a true "Field of Dreams". I wish your family peace and my prayers are with you.
Lennie Burnett
July 02, 2010 | Sandson, VA