James Eckford Leverette

James Eckford Leverette, age 76, was born in cape, Longview, Mississippi. However, through his many travels serving our country as an honorable Marine has remained a permanent resident of Mobile, AL. On July 9, 2015 he passed away peacefully with his long time devoted caregiver, Evelyn Jean McIlwain, by his side. He served his country faithfully and honorably as a dedicated professional earning several degrees, honors, awards, ribbons, and medals. He was a highly decorated Marine, some of his accomplishments are as followed:

From: To: Organization Duty

1956 Amtrac Crew, 4wks.

1958 Security Guard, 12 wks.

1958 Brig Warden, 6wks.

1958 Small Arms, Ext

1958 Infantry Tactics, Ext

1962 Evasion & Escape, 2wks.

1962 Jungle Warfare, 5wks.

1962 Guerilla/Counter, 5wks.

1962 Landmine/Demo, 4wks.

Nov.8, 1955 - May.5, 1968 Co. C, 1st Amtrac Driver

May.5, 1958 - Jun.1, 1961 Marine Bks, Quon PT.,Ri Security

Jun.1, 1961 - Sep.1, 1962 Marine Bks, Cecil Fld, Fl. Security

Sep.1, 1962 - Apr.4, 1964 Co.B 1stBn,9th Marines Platoon Sgt

Apr.4, 1964 - Dec.14, 1965 Co.F 2ndBn, 8th Marines Platoon Sgt

Dec.14, 1965 - Nov.22, 1968 Co.B, 1stBn 9th Marines Platoon Cmdr.

Apr.9, 1969 - Feb.4, 1978 l&l, Chicago,Il Recruiter/Ops Chief

Feb.4, 1971 - Feb.4, 1974 Co.E, 2ndBn,24th Marines 1Sg/ Career Counc

Feb.4, 1974 - Feb.4, 1978 Det 4th Force Recon Gunnery Sgt.

Feb.4, 1978 - Mar.13, !981 6th Marcordis, Atlanta, GA. Recruiter

Mar.13, 1981 - May.20, 1981 Det. 4th Force Recon 1Sg/ Career Coun

May.20, 1981 Present Co.B.Sfga (ABN) Mobile,Al. Ops Sgt.

1962 Escape & Evasion

1962 Jungle Warfare

1962 Guerilla/CounterGuerilla

1962 Land Mines/Demolitions

1963 NCO Academy

1966 Physical Fitness Academy

1966 Water Survival Instructor

1966 SCNO Academy

1966 Logistics & Supply

1969 Operations & Planning

1970 Career Counselor

1978 Recruiters School

1982 Res/Ng, Rctg & Ret

1956 Amtrac Crew Ch. 4wks

1958 Security Guard, 12 wks, Brig Warden, 6wks, Small Arms, Ext, Infantry Tactics, Ext.

1962 Evasion & Escape, 2 wks, Jungle Warfare, 5 wks, Guerilla/Counter, 5wks, Landmine/Demo, 4wks.

Natural Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart ( 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Navy Unit Citation (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Unit Commendation (L. Oak Leaf Cluster), United States Marine Corp Reserve Medal (4 Bronze Stars), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (4 Awards), Meritorious Mast (6 Awards)

He served his country honorably for 27 years, 2 months, and 26 days. In his youth he excelled in athletics; baseball, football, golf, boxing, swimming, was a ping pong champion, a pool shark, and also loved to dance! You were always guaranteed a good time if you were in his company. He loved to tell jokes and tried to be funny, which he was. He remained extremely fond of his childhood puppy, affectionately known as Snowball. His favorite color was purple and he loved the beach and fresh baked salmon. He always had the best guidance to offer anyone in need of advice.

When we had a very special outdoor picnic on the water, it was dad, my baby sister, Heather, dad's great granddaughter, Makayla Jazmine, her mother and myself. What a precious memory we created that special day, our lavish picnic drew everyone's attention. Makayla fed the ducks for the first time. We took dad home, smiling and elated, he replies, "It's been a slice of heaven!"

Jason is survived by his three children, son, James Raphael Leverette of Dallas, TX. Daughter, Kimberly Faith Steffen of Grand Bay, AL. and daughter Heather Gabriella Leverette of Oceanside, CA.

He is survived by his two remarkable grandsons, Marcus Troy Raphael Steffen of Grand Bay, AL. Blake Bradford Kai Leverette of Grand Bay, AL. and one very special great granddaughter, Makyla Jazmine of Grand Bay AL.

He is predeceased by his brothers, in loving memory, Jerry Leverette of Winter Haven, FL. Dennis Leverette of Mobile, AL. and his baby sister, Joyce Pierce of Chickasaw, AL. May you rest in peace.

He is survived by his sister, dedicated and loyal caregiver of many years, Evelyn Jean McIlwain. He is survived by his brothers, Ted Howell Leverette, and his baby brother, George Ralph Leverette, Sr.

A memorial service with Pinecrest cemetery will be scheduled at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, please forgive Jason Leverette of his trespasses, Please pay it forward with kindness to one another, thank a service member for their unknown sacrifices. Enjoy an outdoor pic-nic. Freedom is not free!

He loved to run

Tan in the sun

Played golf for fun

Was a foe to no one

Arrangements under the direction of Pine Crest Funeral Home, Mobile, Alabama