James Leadbetter

1939 - 2023

James Leadbetter

08/05/1939 - 12/08/2023

James M. Leadbetter passed away peacefully at the home of his eldest daughter, Caroline, on Friday, December 8, 2023. Jim was born in Toledo, Ohio, on August 5, 1939, the only child of Alexander Christie Leadbetter and Viola (Sager) Leadbetter. He grew up in Toledo and graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School in 1957. After graduating, he went on to work at his father's company, A.C. Leadbetter and Son, Inc. The company worked in the glass industry, in which Jim and his father were brick masons. He and his father grew the company and ultimately constructed many glass plants across North America, Africa, Asia and South America for glass manufacturers based in Toledo. Jim retired from business in 2004. In 1959, Jim met his future wife, Shirley J. Hassinger from Bellevue, Ohio. Jim and Shirley had three children; Caroline (Patrick) O'Shea, Linda Richter and Alexander C. Leadbetter. Jim and Shirley made a good pair; Shirley attended to the children and domestic affairs, while Jim handled the business side of the family. Jim and Shirley traveled extensively for business, both domestically and internationally. Jim would often spring sudden trips on Shirley, which caused havoc as Shirley scrambled to find one of the grandmothers to babysit. Jim and Shirley were married for 60 years until her passing in 2021. As a member of Sylvania Country Club for over 62 years, Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed a good game of Gin rummy. He could often be found in the midst of a large Gin game in the 19 th Hole. Jim, with his partner John "Junior" Powell, owned many winning harness racing horses, including the 1985 World Champion Breeders Crown winner, "Stienam."But of all of his special gifts the greatest was his role as a grandfather! Jim was a grandfather to six grandchildren, James O'Shea, Daniel O'Shea, Richard Richter, Robert Richter; and granddaughters, Alessandra Leadbetter and Tamithy (Richter) Jackson.

Jim will be remembered fondly by his friends, relatives and especially his grandchildren as a teacher, and as a one-of-a-kind gentleman who did things his way! The family would like to give a special thank you to the gentlemen at Charlie's restaurant on Central Avenue who so graciously welcomed him into their breakfast club. He looked forward to his mornings there with the "guys. And also, to the wonderful staff who always looked out for him and made him feel part of the family. Calling hours will begin on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; followed by the funeral service on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. After the service, friends are welcome to join the family for the reception at Sylvania Country Club. The family would like donations to be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church. Online condolences to

www.reebfuneralhome.com