James Carl "Jim" LEIGHTON

July 10, 1944 – April 20, 2025

Dr. Jack and Helen Leighton were blessed with their baby boy, Jim, on July 10, 1944, in Milford, Connecticut. They were a happy family of three, living in several states – Tennessee, Idaho, and Oregon, before settling in the Spokane, Washington area.

Jim spent his youth and adult years between Spokane, Cheney, Portland, Eugene, Marysville. The family spent summers at their cabin on Kootney Lake, BC, boating, swimming, riding horses, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Christmas would find Jack, Helen, and Jim in Portland, celebrating the holidays with extended family. Jim especially enjoyed playing cards, Yahtzee, Concentration, attending The Far West College Basketball Classic, and working out at Loprenzi's gym.

Jim participated in Special Olympics, winning numerous medals and championships at meets and competitions all over the country. He excelled in Power Lifting and Downhill Skiing. The trip to Fort Lewis for the State Special Olympics was an event Jim looked forward to each year. He was active weekly at the ARC of Spokane, especially the monthly dances. Sunday mornings would find Jim at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

If you were ever in Cheney at EWU you may have seen or spoken to Jim in the Athletic Department, where he accompanied Jack, Athletic Director/Department Head, to work for many years.

We would like to thank all Jim's Special Olympics coaches and teammates for their support, the directors and staff at the ARC center, and the community of people who have supported the programs he participated in over the years.

A heartfelt thank you to all the Staff at Life for the joy, support, and friendship they shared with Jim during his residence there.

Now reunited with his Dad and Mom for eternity, Jim is survived by his three cousins and their families.

Please visit Jim's Memorial Tribute page on Hennessey's website to leave any thoughts, anecdotes, or memories of Jim. www.hennesseyondivision.com