Jack Prather Leach

1934 - 2024

BORN

1934

DIED

2024

Jack Leach Obituary

Jack Prather Leach

August 20, 1934 - March 1, 2024

Modesto, California - Jack Prather Leach passed away March 1, 2024. He was born in Neosho, MO on August 20, 1934, to Floyd (Shack) and Jessie Leach. The family moved to Manteca CA during the depression. He met and married Cornelia Galt, the love of his life, and they settled in the Modesto CA area, raising their two children, Allison and Eric.

A graduate of Chico State University and University of the Pacific, he began a long and successful career in education as a teacher, principal, and later, a school psychologist. He was a steadfast advocate for students with disabilities.

His commitment to education was matched by his passion for sports, especially baseball. He coached countless little league teams throughout the years. He competed in all sports as a youth and in senior softball leagues into his 80s. He played in bands throughout his life. He also loved farming, gardening, cooking family feasts, wine, poker playing, road trips, and crossword puzzles.

His life was greatly enriched by the relationships he formed through his work and activities. He loved sharing in the successes of former students, colleagues, players, teammates, ukelele friends, and decades-long poker buddies. Visits from students, players, and friends touched him deeply later in life. Family was front and center, and he loved time spent with his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Cornelia. He is survived by three sisters: LeAlice Kellerman, Peggy Himes-Kershaw (John), and Betty Burr (Frank). He is also survived by his children, Allison (Wade) and Eric (Lisa); grandchildren Alexander Leach (Kelsey), Maxx Leach, and Hannah Martinez (Mike); great-grandchildren Lexie Leach, Bexar Leach, Beaux Leach, Michael Martinez, and Mateo Martinez, as well as many nieces and nephews.

To honor his memory, the family suggests donations to a favorite teacher's classroom or to a youth sports team of choice.

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

Published by Modesto Bee on Mar. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Leach

9 Entries

Janis Brown Kuhn

June 21, 2024

RIP Mr. Leach you were such a huge influence on me. As a young child that had suffered great loss...I was lost ,Mr Leach was my saving grace. He knew I was going thru alot but he still held me accountable instead of feeling sorry for me. Lesson I still live by today.
Much Love,
Janis (Brown) Kuhn

Ashley (former apex care caregiver)

May 18, 2024

To say I took care of Jack just doesn't sound right because in many ways Jack took care of me too! Jack talked me through and gave me advice on more occasions then I can remember. I worked for Jack but Jack was also like a family member to me. Many days and nights spent making food together, watching sports on TV, listening to LOTS of music, him playing his musical instruments for me. I will always remember and think so highly of Jack. He was the ultimate family man and I was always so fascinated by his mind! So smart, so loving! He never judged anyone. He was just an amazing person to say the least! Love you jack and thank you for teaching me to much! Including card games and how to find a good wine! -Ashley

Marsha Bledsoe

April 22, 2024

He was the best teacher ever!!
Marsha Bledsoe

Connie Visser

March 26, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Steven Crowell

March 25, 2024

Jack was my uncle. As a kid, I was in awe of his humor, his smile, his wry wit, and his almond orchard. I played a few hands of poker with him, and he and my dad, Jim, just loved to tell jokes (some off-color) and talk about the world at large. In later years, Jack and Corny would host massive family reunions which are now some of my warmest memories. I last saw Jack a few years ago and we sat out back drinking martinis that Corny had made and talking about what his kids were up to and the old days. Same Jack: warm, welcoming, wry, and eager to discuss the craziness in the world. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Oh, and thanks for the vintage Arnold Palmer golf balls, Jack!

Jim Chambers

March 25, 2024

Jack was an icon for me and a legend in Little League baseball. I´ll forever remember riding in and on his little green MG across the grass to the ball fields and practice areas. The crowning achievement for this 12-year boy was being led by Jack to the Modesto City Little League Championship and getting to be the starting pitcher when our Garrison A team won the game. RIP Jack...you taught us well how to live and play the game of life.

Mike Harrell

March 25, 2024

I could write a book. It would be titled "My Life as Shaped and Impacted by Jack Leach". Jack was an amazing person and I was so fortunate and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience his influence.

Al Girolami

March 24, 2024

Very sorry to hear of Jack´s passing. I always enjoyed being on the same team during our many years of Senior Softball. He was a very good player and fun to be around. I am glad that my daughter and I stopped for lunch at Samaritan Village last year and got the catch up with him and other Senior Softballers there. May he Rest in Peace.

Ruby (apex caregiver)

March 23, 2024

I am very saddened to hear this news. Jack was like a grandpa to me as I worked for him as a full time caregiver. It brings tears to my eyes know that my buddy is gone. I love you so much Jack and I hate that I couldn´t come see you as much due to being in another city for nursing school. I will always be your buddy and you will forever have my heart. Love always, Ruby (apex caregiver) Aka "Bingo Queen".
I love you Jack. Condolences to your entire family

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