Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Leach Obituary
General Leach was born in Houston, Texas, on April 7, 1922, the son of David W. Leach, Jr. and Ellen Curry Leach, both of Houston, and the grandson of Sergeant D.W. Leach of the 8th Louisiana Heavy Artillery, CSA.
General Leach entered the Texas National Guard in 1938. He attended Officer Candidate School in 1942 after his unit was called to active duty, prior to the Second World War.
He served in General George Patton’s famous 4th Armored Division as a Company Commander of B Company, 37th Tank Battalion. He stayed in the U.S. Army as a career Army Officer rising to the rank of full Colonel. He served in Korea and in Vietnam, where he was the 40th Commanding Officer of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment - The Blackhorse Regiment. After having moved to Beaufort, S.C., in 1986, the Adjudgent General of South Carolina appointed Colonel Leach to the post of Brigadier General in the S.C. Military Department.
General Leach’s Decorations include: Distinguished Service Cross - for Actions in France and Luxembourg during the Battle of the Bulge; Croix de Guerre - Luxembourg; Virtuti Militarie - Poland; Two Silver Star Medals awarded during Viet Nam; the Legion of Merit; Two Bronze Star Medals with “V” device and; Five Purple Heart Medals for wounds received during the Second World War.
Honors include: OCS Hall of Fame, Ft. Benning, GA; First recipient of the Order of St. George, U.S. Armor Association; Professor of Military History, Ft. Knox, Kentucky; President - Military Officers of America Association and President of the Veterans Cemetery Committee of Beaufort (VCCOB).
He was an undergraduate of the University of Omaha, held a Master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University.
He is survived by his wife, Marion Hiers Floyd Leach of Hampton, S.C., and by his son, James H. Leach II “Jamie” and wife Annabelle of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and one granddaughter, Annabelle Virginia Leach of Tallahassee, Florida.
General Leach was a member of the Beaufort Presbyterian Church, Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Beaufort Rotary Club, Thursday Club, and Military Order of the Purple Heart.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 20, between 2-4 p.m. at the family residence, #9 Sussex Court, Lady’s Island.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Beaufort Presbyterian Church with burial following in the Beaufort National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.
Memorials or donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Patton Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 25, Fort Knox, KY 40121-0025 or the Army Historical Foundation, 2425 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Leach
rochelle dwight
January 18, 2010
Marion, I miss Jimmie very much. It is amazing how much kind and thoughtful he was on an almost daily basis.
He responded to hundreds of emails thru the years and i sorely miss his notes.
At least now, we can visualize him up there with dad, and all the other heros of Bastonge. Hell on Wheels!
Love, Rocky
January 3, 2010
Marion--My deepest sympathies are with you and your family. I just learned of your dear Jimmies passing.
In your sorrow please find comfort in knowing how many caring thoughts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. Words are never enough at a time like this but I wanted you to know you have my love and prayers.
Isa McGuire, Longboat Key, Florida
December 30, 2009
Marion, I was sadened to hear about Jimmies passing. Out thoughts and prayers are with you. Franklin and Nancy Floys
Erica Siegel
December 28, 2009
My deepest sympathies- Jamie you and your family are in my thoughts.
December 24, 2009
Marion-Dele and I are with you, if only in spirit--Jimmie was a dear friend and an admired son of Texas. I will miss him -- Love to you and James, Jesse& Dele Schaudies
Gilbert Stevenot
December 24, 2009
It was with great emotion that I learned the death of my great friend General James Leach. He sent his last message just two days before his heart attack and our last meeting was in Bastogne, September 13,.A town dear to his heart, where he came to celebrate the big anniversaries of his Nuts City. For he 4Oth, the 5Oth, the 6Oth, he was present, And this year he invited for a private visit and we spent a nice day with his beloved wife Marion.
At several occasions he came back in my town Rochefort . It was not on his field of actions, but just a token of friendship.
It was a great honor for my City to welcome such a great hero and we raised him to the rank of Citoyen d'Honneur for feats accomplished in the liberation of our region. Our town has lost a great friend, an important figure of History.
We give the honors to this brave soldier, to the senior Officer James H.Leach, DSO recipent and his noble Nation. God bless America.
Farewell dear friend Jimmy, With my true love to Marion and Jamie.
Gilbert N. Stevenot
Lt Interpreter Hqs 12th Army General Bradley.
Wayne Evans
December 23, 2009
General Leach was a great man and great friend. I only knew him since January 2008 when he came into the Beaufort Readiness Center and sat down and talked with me for over two hours, It was a memorable conversation that was followed by many more in my office over the past two years. He will be greatfully missed. Its a sad day for the city of Beaufort with General Leach not around. It was truly an Honor to meet such a extrodinary man. God bless the Leach family.
SSG TW Evans, Jr.
Ashlyn Bethel
December 23, 2009
Marion, Jamie, Annabelle & Avie,
What do you say when you lose a love one that means the world to you? Fortunately you can look back at all the many wonderful times you had together in the past. Those memories will keep Jimmie close in your heart for as long as you live.
I was very impressed to read about Jimmie's military service. He was a husband and father to be proud of. Our great country could use more patriotic men like him.
Please know that the ones who are close to you are sensitive to your loss and hope the pain will lessen in a short period of time.
The best to you and your family during the holiday season.
Kimberly Fortuna
December 23, 2009
Marion, Jamie, Annabelle and Avie,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived and well respected.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to seeing you back at the office Jamie so I can give you a big hug~
December 23, 2009
Marion,
Our Deepest Condolences to You and Your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless ...
Joe & Carolyn Winiarz
Jacksonville, Florida
December 22, 2009
Dear Marion.
It was such a pleasure to be around you and Jimmie. We are very sad for your loss.
Deepest regrets,
Bob and Phyllis Rose
December 21, 2009
Bonnie and I were saddened to read of Jimmie's death. Our condolences to Marion and his family. The Leaches went out of their way to welcome us to Beaufort and were always there with a kind word. Jimmie was a genuine hero, genuine in that he bore his fame with great humility, genuine also in that, by his mere presence, he commanded respect and affection. He will be missed, but he has left a mark and set an example, and he has now found peace and rest. A fine man and a fine example. John McCardell (Middlebury, VT, and Beaufort, SC)
Guy Hart
December 21, 2009
Your huband was a great man.
My sons and I were talking about him last night. Guy Jr. said that you and Jamie should know what a hero we felt Colonel Jimmy was and how much we owe him.
Please know that our prayers are with you.
God Bless you,
Guy & Melissa Hart
Guy Jr., Missy, Mary, And Christopher
Michael Medico Jr.
December 21, 2009
Dear Marion Jamie, Annabelle and Avie: I am truely sorry for your loss. General Jimmy was one hell of a soldier and a really nice man. His loss is one that will truely be felt around the world. I really wanted to be there for the funeral, but work and the weather did not make that possible. Once again my sincerest condolences.
Rick O'Dell
December 21, 2009
Colonel Leach and I first met in Vietnam during a firefight along Highway 13 in the summer of 1969. He flew in to see that we were alright after busting up an NVA ambush.
We next met at the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. He was seeking out his old troopers and was very interested to see how they were doing.
For forty years, I have been honored to consider the general a friend. He was a soldier's soldier and a veteran's veteran. He will be missed.
Nash
December 21, 2009
Marion,Jamie,Annabelle and Avie
Sorry we can not be with you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, gloria, Scott, Scotty, Michael and Amy
Walter Lineberger
December 21, 2009
To Marion Leach I present a toast which I composed for fellow officers and men back in Vietnam, when we were out on the front line,experiencing over 80% casualties in a year's tour.
"You've never really lived
until you've nearly died;
and those who have not been here
do not understand.
Gather round me fellow warriors,
and let us swear an oath.
I will protect you;
you will protect me.
Together,
in victory or in death,
Either way,
our souls will remember.
I salute you fellow warriors,
and I propose a toast!
"To those no longer present." "
We will miss you Jimmy Leach.
Kathy Flanagan
December 21, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man, husband, father, friend, and military hero. My Dad and Mom were very fond of Mr. Leach and his wife. My condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time of loss.
Buddy Bryan
December 21, 2009
Although I never met Gen. Leach I have
walked the area around Clochimont and
Assenois Belgium many times trying
to visualize what this great American
must have been witness to on that cold
December day in 1944.My condolence to
his family and friends.
Buddy Bryan Tifton Ga
SFC (ret) Roberto Moreno
December 21, 2009
On behalf of myself and my wife Barb please accept our deepest sympathy. It was an honor and a priviledge to know and serve under the COL. His love of the military, especially of the 11th ACVVC and their Blackhorse Ladies group will long be remember and cherished.
Rest in peace COL, your tour of duty has ended.
Till we meet again in "Fiddlers Green"
SFC Roberto (Bob) Moreno and Barb Moreno
December 20, 2009
"James H.Leach outside of being a great soldier was also a great Ambassador of America each time he visited our European countries. His personality, his kindness and his courage were appreciated by all. At our invitations he made the trip to Europe almost every year and he was always attending ceremonies, unveiling monuments and visiting military graveyards where we had in common to thank the men who fought for our freedom and Liberty. Thank you very much Jimmie. "
Gerard J. Bazin, President, Lorraine Battle Memorial Association
Paris, France
Jim & Martha Bequette
December 20, 2009
Jimmie was a wonderful man who contributed greatly to the world and to his smaller community. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Marion. Our prayers are with the family.
Jim and Martha Bequette
December 20, 2009
Mother and I had just received Jimmie and Marion's christmas card saying they would be in Houston next February. We were looking forward to seeing you then.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helen and David Leach, Pearland, Texas
Daniel Stroia
December 20, 2009
Dear Marion Leach and Family,
I am sending my condolence with my love and respect of this good and honorable man.
I received the sad news yesterday evening from one of our 11th Cavalry Veteran Trooper's Wayne Goad who works at the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK.
I am Chairman of the Funeral Honor Guard of the 11th Armored Cavalry's Veteran Troopers of Vietnam and Cambodia.
James Leach registered with our 11th Cavalry Master Roster and I am entrusted with roster for this sensitive purpose.
We have a special place were we honor our fallen comrades, when you get time during these tring times please go to our link www.acr.com/hg.htm
this is our honorable site.
As the Honor Guard I take great care of this site, I am your humble servant
once James obituary is listed in the newspaper in South Carolina his obituary will be e-mailed to me.
I e-mailed our President Allen Hathaway and V.P. Pete Walters of the 11th ACVVC,
Paul Laughlin 63rd Colonel Paul J. Laughlin at Fort Irwin, California.
Also General John Longhouser who was my Captain about 40 years ago in K Troop of the 11th Cavalry Regiment.
Honor Guard
Daniel Stroia
Allan Bradford
December 19, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was Colonel Leach's crew chief on his helicopter in Viet Nam and had a great respect for him. God Bless.
JACK MORRISON
December 19, 2009
PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING MY WIFE,TEALA, OR I CAN DO FOR YOU PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US
Ellen & Frank Shaw
December 19, 2009
Marion, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Knowing both you and Jimmie added greatly to our experience of living in Beaufort. We were fortunate to have you as friends and neighbors. Jimmie was indeed a credit to his country.
Ellen and Frank Shaw
Michael Michaelski
December 19, 2009
Condolences from his Brothers in St. Stanislas. He is already missed!
John Sherman Crow
December 19, 2009
Marion and Jamie, I speak for all 19,100 members of the Blackhorse Association when I tell you our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May many happy memories bring you comfort. Allons!
Mchael and Anne MDermott
December 19, 2009
A noble gentleman has received God's Promise for a valiant life, exceptionly lived.
Jimmy entered Quan Loi as Commnder of the 11th ACR on the same airplane that brought me back from that loction on April 7, 1969.
An American Hero for all time, that we were priileged to know.
December 19, 2009
Mrs. Floyd, Jamie and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ernie Gooding Evensen
Composto
December 19, 2009
Marion,
We are sorry for your loss. The loss of Jimmie is a loss for all of us. His kind smile and wonderful stories will be greatly missed.
Love, Michelle, Gino and Patrick
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in James Leach's name
Memorial Events
for James Leach
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Leach's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
