James E. Leach & Sandra B. Leach
In loving memory of James E Leach and Sandra B Leach of Medina, Ohio who befittingly passed away on April 23, 2021 only hours apart. This is the most beautiful of love story endings.
Together Jim and Sandy were graduates of East Cleveland’s Shaw High School class of 1955. They realized their own reflection in each other’s hearts during their freshman year. Jim attempted independence by enlisting in the United States Army and was deployed to Germany. Letters and telegraphs across the Atlantic only strengthened their bond. Sandy pleaded with her parents (Willard and Louise Brown) and set out to reunite as fiances. They were married and returned home to East Cleveland to start a family. They were the proudest of parents to Audrey (Schmitt), Dan (deceased) and Jimmy.
Jim and Sandy’s life together took them on many adventures over their 63 years of marriage. They built and maintained homes in Louisiana, Alabama and Nevada. Work included their own company together, “Walls Papered by Sandy” in Birmingham, Alabama. Jim was proud of his time serving the Army military, Willoughby Police Department and Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement he worked as campus monitor at Del Webb Middle School and as a golf ranger for Desert Willow Golf Course. Jim loved sports, golfed weekly and dreamed of playing basketball at Gonzaga University. Sandy continued her passion for interior design and fashion. Their homes were a reflection of her talent and happiness. She also shared her style as she worked in retail with her last job at RC Willey and enjoyed helping others with their homes.
Together family and faith remained front and center. College football was a close second. Jim maintained his soft demeanor but always had a joke or a story to share. Sandy was all “style- and-smile”. She loved music, books and CSI crime investigations.
Jim and Sandy were preceded in death by their son: Daniel Leach, and were proud participants of the “Dan Leach Memorial Fund” which provided dollars for the youth of southern Nevada.
Jim and Sandy are survived by Audrey (Karl) Schmitt, James (Jan) Leach, and Laura (Dan) Leach. Grandchildren include Nathan (Amanda) Rehmer, Christopher and Alexander Leach and Emily, Carlie, and Sarah Leach. Great grandchildren include Suzannah and Alannah Rehmer.
Services for Jim and Sandy Leach will be held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV on Friday, June 11th at 10:45 AM. Burial will be at Boulder City Municipal Cemetery. A reception to celebrate both lives will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Salvation Army or Dan Leach Memorial fund.
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Sandy & Jim were our neighbors in Henderson, NV for six years. They were the loveliest couple and the best of neighbors. Our thoughts go out to Audrey and Jim and their families.
Thank you for your sweet message it comforts our hearts at this sad time. Audrey
Jim, Jan, Emily, Carlie and Sarah ~
My heart is heavy with sorrow at the loss of your folks. Such a wonderful, loving couple. It was always such fun to visit with them when they were in town. Their spirits live on.
Love you guys!
I have known Mr and Mrs Leach through their son Jim for many years. Jim and I were roommates at Auburn and even though we live far apart now, we still keep touch regularly. He is like a brother to me. Mr. and Mrs. Leach were always gracious to me and welcomed me as part of their family. I will miss them.
This was beautifully written for two very beautiful people!
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful couple. Our heats are with the entire Leach family!
Dear Audrey, Karl, Jim and Jan
We are so sorry for your loss of your parents. We thought they were adorable.
We loved your Dad’s jokes at your house party. Your cute little Mom’s Limousine Birthday Party and my conversations with her. Loved your story about Jim and Jan’s tunafish casserole dinner.
What a beautiful love story and loving family story.
Jim and Sandy’s visits to Oregon and hospitality during soccer tournaments to Las Vegas will be missed by us. They were cooler than cool parents/grandparents- the kind that made you want to asked to be honorary Leach Family members. We are so glad that they are reuniting with Dan in Heaven. We’re all missing a good party. Hugs to the extended Leach and Schmidtt Families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for the loss of two of the nicest people I have ever met. I know Dan will be happy to be with his Mom and Dad again. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends he left behind.
Sincerely,
Ron and Jackie Bleck
Dear Audrey and Jimmie, how sad it was to hear the news of both of your beautiful parents. Theirs was indeed a beautiful love story/friendship! I think their going together was a special answered prayer request. May God hold them in the palm of his hand. May bring you and your families peace and consolation.
Rest In Peace sweet Jim and Sandy!
Audrey when I first heard of your parents passing together my heart was breaking for you, but then I realized what a beautiful love story this truly was. Your parents were great people and I’m happy to have known them.
Your parents remain close, in your heart forever.
Love you Aud!
What a beautiful love story. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Sending my heart to you and your family. You always spoke of your parents in such close and loving terms. I know they meant so very much to you.
With the greatest sympathy.
Jim and Audrey: So sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful parents. Jim and Sandy were some of our closest friends in Alabama. They were part of our ‘circle’ and were included in all events. May God Bless you and help you through your grief.
Cliff & Jean
Audrey I was so sad to hear about your parents, they were great people! May you find comfort to know they are together, and with your brother too. Love and miss you, Denise and family
Audrey & Jimmy ( and all the family),
We are so sorry for your losses. I always loved your parents while growing up with you. Many good memories. You are in our prayers for comfort and peace..
With love and hugs, Laura & Ted
Audrey and family,
Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all at this, the saddest of times in remembering your beloved parents Jim and Sandy.
Although we have never met I somehow feel close to you Audrey and know only too well what it is to lose parents, but beautiful to know they are now with your brother Daniel in Heaven.
I shall be thinking of you, wishing I could be there for you with hugs, take care dear Audrey and God Bless…..
All my love,
Lulu X
Audrey and family
Our deepest condolences to you. May the dear Lord wrap you and your family in His loving arms during this time as He welcomes your Mom and Dad into His kingdom to join their beloved son Dan
Fondly
Maria and Bob Brenneman
Your sweet note just touches my heart… Thank you for your caring words at this really difficult time! Xoxo
I didn’t really know Jim but Sandy an I had a friendship that was special, even though we didn’t see each other often. I think everyone who knew her felt like she really cherished knowing you were special. I don’t know how she died but I did know he had been sick for some time. Glad they are together. When your partner leaves when you we’re together so many years, living without them would be so very hard. Keeping them close in my heart. True love is such a beautiful thing .