James Augustus Leithead

James Augustus Leithead, 97, passed away peacefully, May 28, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his family.
James was born in Lake Charles, LA on September 10, 1915, and attended the public schools and graduated from Lake Charles High School. He also attended Louisiana State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce in 1940, a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1942 and he was admitted to practice law in the State of Louisiana that same year. He was a member and President of Sigma Pi Fraternity at LSU and was honored by Sigma Pi for 75 years of membership. He was selected to enroll in LSU School of Law while still completing his senior year in college. Therefore, Mr. Leithead received his undergraduate degree at LSU at the same time as he completed his first year of law school. He often mentioned how many times he "crossed Highland Road", during the course of a day, as he took undergraduate courses and law school courses, at the same time.
He served in the United States Army Air Force as an Air Base Legal Officer for the Western Flying Training Command with its headquarters in Santa Anna, California, and was discharged with the rank of Captain in 1946. He received the American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal and WW ll Victory Medal.
Mr. Leithead was the senior partner in the law firm of Leithead, Scott, Boudreau, Savoy & Myrick (the successor law firm of Kaufman and Anderson) from 1946 to 1990, and he was associated with the Woodley Williams law firm until retirement in 1994. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Louisiana State and Federal Bar Associations, and he was admitted to practice law in the State District and Appellate Courts, Federal Courts, and in the United States Supreme Court. He was selected "Boss of the Year" by the Lake Charles Legal Secretaries Association in 1992. He was awarded a 70 year certificate by the Louisiana State Bar Association in 2011, and was a current member of the Bar Association until the time of his death. During his law career, he argued two cases in front of the Supreme Court of the United States and was victorious both times. He often mentioned how much he loved the practice of law and how fortunate he was to have been able to have had a career that lasted 47 years.
He was a member of the American Legion and was a Past Commander of W. B. Williamson Post No. 1, in Lake Charles from 1950 to 1951. Mr. Leithead was director of Civil Defense for Calcasieu Parish. He also was a member of the Lake Charles Rotary Club, Lake Charles Country Club, Pioneer Club and other civic and professional organizations. He was a member of the Lake Charles Lodge No. 165, a 33rd Degree Mason in the Lake Charles Scottish Rite Bodies, the Habibi Shrine Temple and a member of Oak Park United Methodist Church and later a member of St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jane Lee Savage Leithead; parents, Andrew James Leithead and Elizabeth Maria Blair Leithead; brothers, Albert Leithead and Terrance Leithead; sisters, Edith Wolintz, Helen Leithead, Lorena Carver and Leta Bowden.
Mr. Leithead is survived by his son, Dr. James (Buzzy) Augustus Leithead, Jr. and wife, Katie, of Lake Charles; daughter, Jane Lee (Lili) Savage Leithead Walker and husband, Robert of San Mateo, CA; grandchildren, Dr. James (Buddy) Augustus Leithead III and wife, Dr. Lynley Roche' Leithead, Dr. Charles (Charlie) Cameron Leithead, Kathryn (Kate) Wade Leithead and Robert (Ford) Wilford Walker, Jr.
"Poppy" had 97 wonderful years, filled with fantastic achievements, wonderful experiences and was loved dearly by his family and friends. He served as a mentor to his entire family, and had a sterling reputation. Poppy lived his life according to his favorite family phrase, "The hard thing to do is the right thing to do". His hearty laugh and contagious smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Eula Mae Beloney, for 61 years of wonderful care, compassion and loving friendship that she gave to the Leithead family, as well as those who provided outstanding care for Poppy during his last years, including, Maritha Rosamore, Donna LeJeune, Tremika Vital, Jackie Garsee, Diane Gregory, Josephine Celestine and the entire staff of Heart of Hospice. The Leithead family would also like to thank our friend and Poppy's family physician, Dr. Carl Nabours for his excellent medical care.
Memorial donations may be made to the Louisiana Children's Home in Sulphur, LA, St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church Summer Youth Camp Scholarship Fund or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of Poppy's life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2013 at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church. Rev. Karl Klaus will officiate. The family will receive guests beginning Friday May 31st from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles and resume Saturday 10:00am at the church. Burial will be Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Norwood, LA. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.