James Leier

June 27 1948 - June 23, 2016

James Ernest Leier, "Jim", "Jimmie", "Ernie"; age 67; passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism on June 23, 2016 in Palm Desert, CA; survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 44 years, Lenora Hume; and their son, Adam Leier.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on June 27, 1948; raised by his deceased maternal grandparents, the Leslies; attended Bennetto Elementary School, Central Secondary High School, and Hamilton Collegiate Institute before enrolling at the University of Waterloo, where he met Lenora.

After university, they moved to Toronto. He worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on several productions including Bethune, A Gift to Last, Chautauqua Girl and Street Legal.

Living together, Jim and Lenora had a son, Adam in 1983. In 1990, when Lenora was hired by Walt Disney Television Animation they moved to Los Angeles for 17 years — followed by 5 years in London, England — before settling in Palm Desert, California.

Jim was loved by his many friends and family members. He was a caring and involved member of Marrakesh Country Club. He loved cooking, entertaining company, golfing, volunteering, traveling, art museums, fine food, wine and offering opinions on all of the above. He and Lenora had just returned from a month long trip to Europe celebrating Lenora's birthday.

He lived life to the fullest, was caring and kind, and was regarded as a loyal friend. He had a wicked sense of humour and told many strange and funny stories.

Cremation took place in Palm Desert on Canada Day. A memorial celebration of Jim's life will take place in the fall in Palm Desert and Toronto with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Desert Community Foundation: Marrakesh Scholarship Fund at www.jamesleier.com

"Death is our friend precisely because it brings us into absolute and passionate presence with all that is here, that is natural, that is love". Rainer Maria Rilke

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Published by The Desert Sun on Jul. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Leier

Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.

12 Entries

Brenda Kelly Rowell

September 9, 2016

Dear Lenora,

I am saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved husband.

Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda

Brenda Kelly Rowell

September 9, 2016

Dear Lenora,
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Kelly

Larry Jacobs

August 31, 2016

Condolences.

July 14, 2016

Our favorite neighbor and fellow Canadian, we will miss you more than words can describe. From the day we moved in when Jim and Lenora showed up at our front door spontaneously introducing themselves as our neighbors, with a bottle of good wine and freshly baked banana bread, we were instant friends. Jim became our guide to all things the Cochella Valley has to offer. His generosity, wonderful sense of humor and amazing wizardry in the kitchen will never be forgotten. Our sad hearts are with you Lenora and Adam.
Ian and Judith

PJ Soles

July 13, 2016

I am so sad to hear this news. When I think of Jim, I remember how many times we waited in line together early in the morning at various toy stores to make sure we got the special limited editions of whatever it was that Adam & Sky "had to have" for birthdays or Christmas. Jim had a great sense of humor & as I remember he was a very good cook. I know you were a very close family, and he will be terribly missed, but certainly all your wonderful memories will keep him alive always. I send my heartfelt sympathy and love to Lenora and Adam on behalf of myself and Sky & Ashley.

July 12, 2016

Our neighborhood has lost a kind and caring friend. We are very sad.
Barbara Flanagan

great lunch in North Beach with Jimmie and Lenora

gena corbett

July 9, 2016

tim and gena corbett

July 9, 2016

There are no words to express how much we loved Jimmie and how much we will miss him. He was our best friend, a man of many dimensions, with a heart of gold.

Lenora and Adam will help fill our void as we hope to help fill theirs.

To our dear friend, we will miss you every single day. We love you. tim and gena

July 9, 2016

Words can never describe what Jimmie has meant to us or how much we will miss him every single day.

Lenora and Adam will help us fill the void and hopefully we will be able to help fill theirs. A man of many dimensions, Jimmie was truly one of a kind.

Take care our dear friend. Love....Tim and Gena Corbett

Ron MacDonald

July 3, 2016

Well, there he goes...leaves many friends just shaking their heads...miss you....my oldest of friends....never ever forget so many memories....peace!........rb..

Khaldun Butler

June 30, 2016

My spirit always elevated when running into Lenora and Jim at Marrakesh. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and your son's loss. Blessings, Khal Butler

Donna Craig

June 30, 2016

Dear Lenora and Adam,
Jim left footprints wherever he went, footprints of kindness, compassion, courage, humor and inspiration. Even though he is gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail he left behind.
May his soul rest in peace.

With our deepest sympathy,
Don and Donna Craig

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