Jim was born on October 24, 1953 in Kalamazoo Michigan to Robert and Lois Leaman who preceded him in death. On July 20, 1974 he married Sheryl (Sheri) Rutherford who survives in Lima.

Jim is also survived by his children, Jenny Leaman and Joe (Michelle) Leaman; grandchildren: Jillian Waller, Robbie Waller, Titus Leaman, Samuel Leaman; brothers: Bob (Lindsay) Leaman, Don (Susan) Leaman, Steve (Linda) Leaman, Phil (Susie) Leaman; nephews, Steven (Melissa) Leaman and Matthew Leaman; nieces, Ashley Leaman and Tina Leaman. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his niece, April Leaman.

Jim is a 1971 graduate of Walter E Stebbins High School in Dayton, Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern Kentucky University in 1975 and later his Masters in Music Education from Bowling Green State University.

Jim knew at a young age he would be an instrumental music teacher. In his high school days, he was a member of the Miller's Blackhawks drum and bugle corp. After college, his teaching career began in the Dayton City Schools in elementary music and assisting with the Patterson Co-op High School bands. In 1978 Jim and Sheri moved to Lima and he continued his teaching in the Lima City Schools until his retirement in 2005.

During his time teaching and after his retirement Jim was an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) as an adjudicator for Solo and Ensemble contests in various districts across Ohio. Jim was also a member of American Federation of Musicians, The National Association for Music Education, Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and a lifetime member of Phi Kappa Phi.

Jim served as principal percussionist/timpanist in the Lima Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years, as well as being an active performer with the Lima Area Concert Band, Lima Marimba Ensemble, and various jazz groups. His legacy also carries on through the thousands of students he taught as a private instructor; band director at North Middle School in the Lima City Schools; adjunct professor at Bluffton, Ohio Northern University, and the University of Findlay; and percussion instructor for the Celina City Schools.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed working outdoors in the yard, grilling, and spending time with friends. As an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima, Jim also served as an usher on Sundays as well as being a member of various committees over the past 34 years. On special holiday services Jim also shared his musical talents with his church family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Lima Symphony and Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima, Ohio.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from Aug. 20 to Aug. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Leaman

11 Entries

George Miller

August 26, 2022

God Bless!!!

Randy Marshall

August 22, 2022

Phil and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Jim well and had a great time with him at your wedding. He will be missed.

Barbara Bent Cannon

August 22, 2022

My heart goes out to the Leaman Family at this sad time. Jim was the youngest, cutest member of the talented Stebbins Drum Row back in the day. Jim, Steve & Don all had a great time playing in the band & they were liked by everyone. Hopefully memories of those "Good Old Days" will lessen the pain of Jim´s passing.

phillip leaman

August 21, 2022

My older brother 4 years older than me he made an impression on me even when I was a child because I had a teddy bear I named Jim Jim my brother read to me books that I was too old for they were the Hardy Boy Mysteries and that bond that he created I still lean to when I remember him but his wit and humor made all of us Brothers laugh and our parents too today when I tell the story or a joke I feel as if I learned how to do it from Jim The Pride I have in him Will Go On and every time I make somebody laugh with a joke or way I tell a story it will have a piece of him in it one day God only knows when I'll see you again

Renee Pranses

August 3, 2022

My family sends their condolences out to you! I was so sad to hear of his illness. What a great family man, inspirational teacher, kind and fun co-worker and amazing role-model to all whos lives he touched.

SeaHwa Jung

August 2, 2022

I am so sorry to hear this news. Jim played timpani for several UF choral performances and I always enjoyed working with him. He is a great musician and person. He will be remembered and missed by the UF Music community.

Wes King

August 2, 2022

When I came to UF as the new Director of Bands during COVID in 2020, Jim had already planned on retiring and stepping back. But he graciously stayed on for one more year to both help me transition the program and to finish up the training of one of his talented senior students. He was quick to offer friendship and help to me as both a new faculty member and a new member of the Ohio music community. I´m grateful for Jim´s service to UF and the band program, as well as his welcoming nature. We will remember him and continue building on the strong foundation he left for us.

I pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family.

Sheri Wills

August 2, 2022

Our prayers are with the Leaman family. I have many memories of Mr. Leaman at both North and Lima Senior. He was one of my favorite teachers and will be sadly missed. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Ronda Maginnity

August 2, 2022

The Maginnity Family sends their condolences to the Leaman Family. Mr. Leaman gave my children a lot of good memories from band class. Patrick had a good time with Mr Leaman, so much he took classes at ONU from him. God Bless

Jack Taylor

August 2, 2022

Sheri, Jenny and family

On behalf of the whole musical family at UF, please accept our sincerest sympathies over Jim's passing. I sat with him just a few months ago at a Lima Concert Band concert. He told me at that time that he had had a stroke. I texted him on June 10 saying that I was thinking about him and wondering how he was doing. He was positive and looking forward to getting back to playing. So this is such a shock to us. I spent a lot of hours with Jim in the band room at UF and I can tell you all that he loved his family and was so proud of all of you. We'll all remember him in the band family at Findlay. Here's hoping that his memory will be a blessing to all of you. He was a special guy and he'll be missed by many.

Robert and Jessica Smith

August 2, 2022

Our deepest condolences on your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours in your time of healing and the celebration of his life.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results