March 7, 2019
James Lee Leggett (Jim)
October 14, 1949 – March 6, 2019
Jim Leggett, 69, of Ashland, KY, passed away Wednesday, March 6 at Woodland Oaks Health Care Facility.
Jim was born in Ashland, KY on October 14, 1949 to the late James W. Leggett
And Deva Lemon Leggett.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by an infant son Timothy Ryan Leggett.
Jim was a devout member of Holy Family Catholic Church where through the years he served the church as an extraordinary minister and took communion to the sick and homebound. He also served as an usher during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday mass. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight in 2003. In 2014 and 2015 Jim’s devotion to the prayer of the Rosary lead him to organize a communal rosary service through the nationally known organization America Needs Fatima. Jim and members of the parish met in front of the church and prayed the rosary for the intention of healing of our country. Since Jim’s illness in late 2015 Holy Family has continued that practice each October led by parishioner Judy Fields.
Jim deeply loved his family, but his greatest loves are “his boys”. Mourning his passing he leaves behind son and daughter-in-law- James Richard (Jimmy) and Atsumi Leggett and his grandsons James Yoshiya (Yoshi) and Alister Masato Leggett, in Carmel, NY; and his youngest son, Anthony Ray Leggett in Laughlin, Nevada and one granddaughter, Rebel Leggett in Steubenville, Ohio.
Jim will be deeply missed by his brother, Joseph (Joe) W. Leggett and wife Kay of Cannonsburg, KY, and his sister Dena L. Newsom and husband Barry of Ashland, KY as well as 3 nephews, 2 nieces, many cousins and special friends.
One friend that has spent almost every day with Jim since October 2016 is Michael Stump. Mike moved into the facility and became Jim’s roommate and closest friend. Room 404 at Woodland Oaks became the “party room” where Mike and Jim together, after being schoolmates at Holy Family many years ago, laughed, talked, shared meals, watched and listened to KY ball games, keeping the staff on their toes! Mike and Jim became family during this time, always looking out for one another during times of need.
Jim attended and graduated from Holy Family School in 1967. Jim and his friends from HFS remained close and several of them continued that friendship by visiting him regularly at Woodland Oaks offering their love and support until the day of his passing. That act of love and kindness will never be forgotten by Jim’s family.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Detroit from 1969 – 1971 and served as a Navy Reservist through August 1974. His tour of duty on the USS Detroit inspired in him a love and desire to see and visit other lands which he continued throughout his life. These travels always brought him home, though, to the USA – his favorite land.
Jim was owner/operator of Rich Valley Dairy for many years. Jim supplied (Borden) ice cream to grocers in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia.
In the mid-90’s Jim completed the travel and tourism program at Ohio University Ironton Campus. Using his acquired certification and desire to travel Jim launched Fun Times Tours and made many new friends.
Visitation and Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, March 9 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with funeral mass at 1:00 p.m. conducted by V. Rev. D. Andrew Garner, KHS. Jim’s final resting place will be beside his parents at Calvary Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Steve Brislin, Tom Byrne, Shawn Leggett, Bob Meyer, Nino Murer, Ernie Stump and Honorary Pall Bearer Mike Stump.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Jim’s name to Holy Family Catholic Church.
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