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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
James Leece Obituary
James L. Leece II, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021. Jim was born on September 5, 1933 in Lansing, Michigan where he was a lifelong resident. Jim was a US Army Veteran. He worked as a test driver at the General Motors Proving Grounds from 1951-1965, where he became a fan of his favorite car, the Corvair. He retired from Schafer Bakery, where he worked from 1965-1992.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, James L. Leece I; mother, Aletha (Leece) Golia; step father Gasper Golia; brothers William, Gordon, and Jack. Jim married the love of his life, Carolyn Leece on May 5, 1962, who preceded him in death. Jim is survived by daughter, Lynne (Scott) Burnett; son, James L. Leece III (Kelly); daughter, Cathy (Frank) Mraz; beloved grandchildren Alec Leece, Joseph Mraz, Lauren Burnett, Nicole Burnett, Gage Leece, Mitch Burnett, Gavin Mraz and Mattie Leece.
He was a Tribal Member of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, a member of the Corvair Society of America, a certified Master Gardener, an avid reader - he especially enjoyed William Johnstone western novels and the Harry Potter series. He was a resident at Great Lakes Christian Home, where he had many friends. He was an MSU Spartan basketball fan, loved to sing, loved to hug, and travel.
Special thank you to his kind and compassionate caregiver, Kim Hart, and the staff at Great Lakes Christian Home.
Per Jim's wishes, his body was donated to MSU's Division of Human Anatomy, Willed Body Program. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jim's memory with a contribution to MSU Department of Neurology & Ophthalmology, 804 Service Rd., A217, East Lansing, MI 48824.
The family will celebrate Jim's life with a private gathering. Baamaapii!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Leece
6 Entries
Cindy Clark
April 15, 2021
What a wonderful guy. I was Activity director at Great Lakes Christian Homes. Jim always had a great attitude and was fun to be around. He would often go on outings to the lug nuts games with us. He was one of my favorite residents. I was sad to hear of his passing.
Larry Leece
April 13, 2021
Thank you Uncle Jim. You were and still are an excellent example for the entire family. Miigwetch.
Mike Bowler
April 11, 2021
Sharon and I enjoyed visiting with Jim at a few gatherings. He was a very inspirational man to talk with. RIP Jim.
Kimberly L Hart
April 11, 2021
Happy to have the time I did with James I will never forget him and his children and grandchildren.
Tricia Shaver
April 11, 2021
RIP Mr. Leece. Sending peace, love, and condolences to the family
Geoerge Stehle
April 10, 2021
I remember Jim well. As former chaplain of the Great Lakes Christian Homes, we had many good visits, and I especially remember him teaching me several Indian (Odawa) words. he was a good, likeable man. And for all the good memories, I say,"che migwetch" Jim. God bless you.
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