James Leith

Leith James July 16, 1942 - October 29, 2025 Age 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully after an extended illness on October 29, 2025. Jim Leith was born on July 16, 1942 in Philadelphia to Clarence and Peg Leith. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life Dorothy (nee Donohoe), and proud father of four children, Jim (Rachel), Betsy, Michael (Traci) and Jennifer (Mitch Cron) and grandfather to eight, Juliana, Finn, Michael, Christian, Aidan, Wesley, Natalie and Jude. Jim took great joy and pride in the accomplishments of his children and in watching his grandchildren grow. For 38 years, Jim served his community as a dedicated mail carrier in Port Richmond with the US Postal Service. He enjoyed his work and was known along his route for his friendly smile, sense of humor and genuine care for the people he encountered each day. Jim was also a certified referee with IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) and certified PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) baseball umpire having officiated at hundreds of games throughout the Philadelphia region for many years. Jim was a gifted athlete at Navitity BVM in Port Richmond and then as a student at Northeast Catholic High School for Boys both on the basketball court and on the baseball field. Despite being recruited for a professional sports path, Jim took a job with the US government after high school graduation in 1960 and never looked back. He married the love of his life Dorothy in April 1964. They built a wonderful life together filled with love, laughter and devotion. Jim cherished time with his family attending his kids and grandkids school and athletic events, vacations in Bolton Landing, NY, cooking Sunday morning breakfasts and Almarco pizzas and listening to music that ran the gamut from the Beach Boys to CCR to Bob Dylan to Paddy Reilly. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Larry and Dick. A Mass in Jim's memory will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Mother of Good Counsel, 31 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim's memory to the St. Francis Inn, 2441 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125; www.stfrancisinn.org.