James W. “Jim” Leach, 82, of Festus died Sept. 8, 2025, at his home. Mr. Leach worked as a manager for AT&T. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and watching sports. Born Aug. 23, 1943, in Silva, he was the son of the late Almond Leach and Freda (Ward) Leach.
He is survived by his wife of more than 51 years: Brenda (Zolman) Leach of Festus; three daughters: Tami (Jim Hladyshewsky) Knobbe of St. Charles, Kim (Danny Lipina) Wehlermann of Festus and Aimee (Jimmy) Walker of Festus; 11 grandchildren: Kelsie (Devin) Vallejo, Bryce (Lindsay) Wehlermann, Brendan (Bailee) Wehlermann, Madelynn Knobbe, Morgan Knobbe, Molly Knobbe, BreAnna (Sal) Guerrero, Lily Walker, Chris Lipina, Joshua Hladyshewsky and Jacob Hladyshewsky; six great-grandchildren: Corbin Vallejo, Waylon Vallejo, Vivian Vallejo, Colt Wehlermann, River Wehlermann and Brenleigh Wehlermann; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: RosaLee (Larry) Stafford and Mary Leach.
Services will be private and held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or stjude.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus.