BORN
1942
DIED
2025
Jim Leith Obituary
Jim Leith was born on July 16 1942 in Philadelphia to Clarence and Peg Leith. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life Dorothy (nee Donohoe), and proud father of four children Jim (Rachel), Betsy, Michael (Traci) and Jennifer (Mitch Cron) and grandfather to eight (Juliana, Finn, Michael, Christian, Aidan, Wesley, Natalie and Jude). Jim took great joy and pride in the accomplishments of his children and in watching his grandchildren grow.
For 38 years, Jim served his community as a dedicated mail carrier in Port Richmond with the US Postal Service. He enjoyed his work and was known along his route for his friendly smile, sense of humor and genuine care for the people he encountered each day. Jim was also a certified referee with IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) and certified PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) baseball umpire having officiated at hundreds of games throughout the Philadelphia region for many years.
Jim was a gifted athlete at Navitity BVM in Port Richmond and then as a student at Northeast Catholic High School for Boys both on the basketball court and on the baseball field. Despite being recruited for a professional sports path, Jim took a job with the US government after high school graduation in 1960 and never looked back. He married the love of his life Dorothy in April 1964. They built a wonderful life together filled with love, laughter and devotion.
Jim cherished time with his family attending his kids and grandkids school and athletic events, vacations in Bolton Landing, NY, cooking Sunday morning breakfasts and Almarco pizzas and listening to music that ran the gamut from the Beach Boys to CCR to Bob Dylan to Paddy Reilly.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Larry and Dick.
A Mass in Jim's memory will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10:30am at Our Mother of Good Counsel, 31 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim's memory to the St. Francis Inn, 2441 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19125; www.stfrancisinn.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Schultheis
February 12, 2026
So sorry. Just learned of Jim's passing today. He was a good man, one whom I respected very much. We met in church at St. Malachy's. He encouraged me to participate in the services at that lovely old church, an welcomed me as if we had known one another for years. Several years later, he moved into my neighborhood in Ardmore. Imagine my surprise! My children and I would stop and talk with Jim and Dorothy. They were like surrogate grandparents to my children. I will never forget this kind, decent man, and I mourn his passing.
Margie & Freddy Grimm
November 18, 2025
Jim Leith - Our friend who became family.
From North Catholic, Port Richmond to Ardmore. Jim caught the bouquet. at our wedding & threw it forward to Loretta.
He was the lead man at G&L construction. The Grimm Swimm still stands sturdy with its 3rd liner. Sooo many happy memories of vacations, barbecues , Kentucky Derby, New Years Eve parties.
We all hated growing old with its limits & illness. We. Will miss Jim always. But at last he is pain free. We love you,Jim.
Margie & Freddy Grimm
James Leith
November 6, 2025
Saturday afternoon at Baltimore's Cross Street Market, James C was beloved by all patrons.
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James Leith
November 6, 2025
The aforementioned Almarco pizza maker plying his wares in Bolton Landing, NY!!
Mike Leith
November 5, 2025
You are at peace but you will be greatly missed by me, Traci, Michael and Natalie.
You were such a great father and grandfather that you will live in all of us forever.
I will try to measure up to the example you set as a man.
Love you dad. Mike
Charles Leisse
November 4, 2025
So sorry. Jim was a wonderful man. We were friends at North during school and after graduation. There were some fun times playing ball at Cohocksink. Our lives took different paths, but about a decade ago Jim joined our SOPs at Byrnes for story telling with his Cohox friends of yesterday.We will miss Jimmy's laughter and friendship.
Jimmy Dugan
November 4, 2025
Mr Leith was such a great man. Kind, generous and full of knowledge. I loved talking sports with him and his kids. He was such a devoted father and husband.
What he and his beautiful wife did raising those 4 wonderful children who are all very very succesful was amazing. He was, I am sure so proud of his kids and grand children. He had the perfect job because of his great personality and love of his country. God Bless him and prayers to him and his family.
Love, Dugan
Dick & Phylis Horner
November 4, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Noreen Flanagan Wilder
November 3, 2025
Where to begin, I have so many memories of my cousin Jim growing up with him and his brothers when we would visit on the holidays on Indiana Avenue. Christmas was always the best for all the cousins at the Leith house with a visit from Santa Claus after dinner. When I got my first job at Wanamaker´s department store at 13th and Market , it was on Jim´s route as a mailman and he would stop in to say hello. I loved his visits there. He always liked my dad (his Uncle Frank) a lot and the feeling was mutual.
Rest in peace Jimmy, I love you, your cousin ,Noreen Flanagan Wilder
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