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James Henry Leighton
1930 - 2016
James Henry Leighton
1930 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1930
DIED
2016
James Leighton Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Ruth Leighton, stepson, David B. Stevens and granddaughter, Hazel M. Stevens. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Janet Stevens Leighton; his daughter, Vicki Huffman of Roanoke, VA; his identical twin brother, Robert "Bob" Leighton of Virginia Beach, VA; two nephews, Robert Leighton (Carolyn); Perry Leighton (Denise) all of Virginia Beach; his stepsons, Gary Stevens (Susan) of Jacksonville Beach, FL; John O. Stevens of Newport News, VA; John R. Stevens (Bobbi Jo) of Williamsburg, VA and grandchildren, Seth Huffman (Lauren) of Richmond, VA; Luke Huffman of Roanoke, VA; Tracy Stevens of Newport News, VA; W. Massie Stevens of Williamsburg, VA; Trevor Stevens and Jared Stevens both of Jacksonville Beach, FL.
He was first a member of the Church of Christ in Salem, VA, and later was an active member of the Walnut Hills Baptist Church of Williamsburg, as long as he was able.
While serving in the U.S. Army he was stationed in Germany after WWII. He came home to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve and join the Norfolk Western Railroad in Roanoke, VA. He devoted his time and career as a Welding Supervisor at the railroad, traveling seven states and continuing to serve the corporation through multiple labor strikes until he retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad in September of 1987. In April of 1990 he retired as a Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army Reserve. He was an avid hunter, he loved hunting deer, squirrel and turkeys and enjoyed fishing.
He was a Master Mason for which he received several awards; an avid member of Taylor Lodge #23 A.F. and A.M.; Williamsburg Lodge #6 A.F. and A.M. and Toano Lodge #286 A.F. and A.M.
He will be missed by all who knew him. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 19, from 11:00 to 12:00 followed by a service at Walnut Hills Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy., Williamsburg, VA 23188, or Walnut Hills Mortgage Reduction Fund for Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephanie Hildebrand
January 20, 2016
In remembrance of James Leighton
lorri & noel veden
January 18, 2016
Janet and Family...
The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
Jim was all this and more. To be absent from this place is to be present with the Lord... God's love and ours
Larry Wilson
January 17, 2016
I served in the Reserve with Jim in Salem and a finer man I never met. Condolences to his immediate family and I know his wit will be missed.
Larry Wilson
Winston Salem, NC
January 17, 2016
My dearest Janet, Catherine Wheatley - daughter of Jack M. Hill, your across the street neighbor; Our sincerest condolences to you & your family during this difficult time. Jim was very well thought of as a great neighbor & shared porch sittings talking with my father of their interests & family. Jim will be sorely missed. We will be forever blessed of such fond memories. Our heartfelt prayers to you & your family. Sincerely, Catherine Wheatley, Daughter of Jack M. Hill, Sr.
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Durwood and Betty Anderson
January 16, 2016
Dear Janet,
Words can not express our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. We were so blessed to meet you and Jim at Bojanels in Goldsboro one Sunday night through our friends David and Nancy. God truly blessed us so much with some wonderful memories that night with you both. May God give you the extra strength you need now and the days ahead.
Paula Kiser
January 16, 2016
To Janet and Family, Jim will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was a true friend to my Dad and for that I will always be grateful. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Paula Lewis Kiser
Bob Branham
January 16, 2016
Dear Janet, Julia Richardson from the office just notified me of your loss of Jim.
Jane and I want to send to you our heartfelt sympathy at this sad moment in your life. We have fond memories of the time we visited you both there in Williamsburg some years ago. We will keep you in our prayers.
January 16, 2016
Jim and Janet have been "momma" and "pops" almost since we attended Walnut Hills. Jim and I always had the same greeting: " hello Mr Leighton I'm Mr Leighton ".
And momma always has the sweetest hug and kiss on my cheek.
Although we are saddened for our loss here it's great comfort knowing pops is in heaven without sufferings, pain and a perfect body now.
We will miss and will always remember your love.
Love and blessings to the Leighton family.
Gary and Nancylee Leighton
Faye Jenkins Keenan
January 16, 2016
Dearest Janet and family, God bless and strengthen you during this sad time. I send my sincere condolences and am praying for you.
Mike Walker
January 15, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Mike & Lela Walker
Greg Johnson
January 15, 2016
So sorry to hear the passing of Jim. He will be missed at lodge and I will miss his blessing on the meal as he would always begin "Pray with me Brothers". Truly a good man, proud of his military career and especially very proud being a Mason. Our thoughts and payers are with his family.
Greg Kim and Shane Johnson
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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