James "Jim" Leake

Lisbon- James J. “Jim” Leake, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Mercy Health’s St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

Jim was born May 22, 1938 in East Liverpool, Ohio, a son of the late James Edwin Leake and the late Dorothy (Pickeral) Mullins and had lived in the area all of his life.

A 1957 graduate of Wellsville High School, where he was affectionately known as Elvis, Jim was hired as the 96th man at GM Lordstown in 1966, where he worked in final processing, retiring in 1992.

Jim enjoyed many interests.  He was a master breeder of Tropical Fish, grew giant pumpkins, enjoyed riding his Harley, and was the former president of The Iron Mustangs Motorcycle Club.  Jim also ran for mayor of Lisbon in the early 1980’s and fulfilled a wish of his grandmother’s by spreading Holiday cheer to many generations of Lisbon children by portraying Santa Claus for many decades.   

His wife, Elsie Ann (Dawson) Leake, whom he married December 28, 1957, preceded him in death March 26, 2017.

Jim is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Beckie (Terry) Colvin and Bettina Leake and her companion, Rob Wright, both of Lisbon; son, Bruce (Marti) Leake of Lisbon; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Cynthia) Dawson of North Carolina and Jerry (Sandy) Dawson of Salem; grandchildren, Andrew Allan Colvin, Aaron James Colvin, Stacie Marie Leake, Jamie Lynn Leake-Haddox, Brooke Quinn, Katie (Andy) Harrold Saling and John Harrold; great grandchildren, Haiden (Tabby), Abigail, Easton, Camdyn, Logan, Kassidy, Maddison, Ryleigh, Erica, Paisley, Maverick, Addison, Ethan, and one on the way; great-great granddaughter, Liliana; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Eells-Leggett-Stauffer Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Brown officiating.  Private burial will immediately follow at West Beaver Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive family and friends from 6pm to 8pm, Thursday at the funeral home.

Friends may also view Jim’s memorial tribute page, share a memory, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.com

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