When Jim took over the Grand Rapids Hobart from Ed Verburg, we were recommended for any building needs Jim might have.  He asked us to build a large family room with many windows so he and Lona could enjoy the great view.  We mentioned to Jim a crawl space was needed, but for not much more expense, he could have a full basement.   Then he said, 'Could I put my kitchen in there?' We said, 'Sure!'  Then he said: "Give Lona what she wants upstairs and let's talk about my kitchen."  We have so many more good memories working with Jim and Lona.  Thank you for all the years we have enjoyed serving you!   Bob and Phil Weaver -- JH Weaver & Sons

Jim was a trusted  business associate, friend and fun to be around.  We had many good times together.  My condolences to Lona, Jim Jr., Sarah and extended family.

Thoughts and prayers to the  entire Leach family.  I will always remember Jim as a pragmatic, enthusiastic leader both during both his corporate and service contractor days.  I enjoyed soaking up his wisdom during my younger days.  He will be missed by all he touched.

My heartfelt condolences to Lona and the Leach family.  Mr. Leach  was a great  boss and in many ways a mentor.  It was an honor and privilege to work for Mr. Leach.  I will  fondly remember Jim for his great sense of humor and all his hilarious stories. 

My favorite is story is when Jim stopped in to buy his first truck from me. It was one of the first trucks of that model year. I was really excited to show him all the features. About one minute in he stopped me mid sentence and  pulled a pen and note pad. He told me “I don’t care how it works just tell what this has that Jimmy’s doesn’t. “ 
He was a great guy and that memory always makes me smile. He always had a great story to tell and always time to listen. 

Jim was one of those guys that led by example, strived to do better and took feedback as an opportunity.  He was always supportive of "the big picture" and worked tirelessly to represent his team and the Hobart brand well in all they did.  It was a pleasure to know him and work with him over the years.  Thoughts and prayers to his family  and friends.

Always willing to help and always said it as it needed to be said.
I will miss you my Friend
God Bless

As an agent for Hobart in the mid 80's, I was at a Corp. meeting. Jim was unable to attend this meeting but everywhere we went, his team carried a life size picture of him at all events.  He was so well respected and loved by his team that I was well impressed and thought this is the kind of person I want leading me.  That opportunity came later when I purchased an office in his territory and later when he became my equipment distributor.  I was able to find out for myself what a wonderful leader and good man he was.  I was not disappointed.

   My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.


I have many fond memories of Jim.  I also spent my entire career with Hobart.  Almost all of those years had Jim as my immediate supervisor.  He was my mentor through many successes and trials for nearly 40 years.  For those in the know, who can forget that banner flight over Key West during the Toppers convention !  My sincere condolences to Lona, Jimmy, and Sarah at the loss of such a very good man.  He will be missed.

To Jim's family..
I am Dan Strachan and Jim was the one responsible for my becoming the agent in Sioux City Ia  for Hobart. Jim and I had a great relationship while I was the Agent. Now my boys are the  Agent. 
God bless you  Jim.       Dan

I first met Jim when he came to Hawaii to audit our branch. That was many moons ago. He was my HERO, when we went to meeting Jim was not afraid to tell it how it was! He spoke for all of us! I loved his style! Last saw Jim at one of Hobarts meetings in Troy. That was a bit ago but he still had the fire in him. He made the meeting a lot more fun, and of course we always hit the bar to comiserate our success or failures! He will be dearly missed! Much Aloha JIM      Tim      
                                                                                                                                 
















I had the pleasure of working with Jim during in my earlier years with Hobart Service and always found him to be one of the most knowledgeable and kind people you could know.  

He was a great business partner over the years, one who was always willing to help and mentor others and for that I am eternally grateful.  Jim touched so many lives within the Hobart family and I know within his own community.  

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this most difficult time.

Terry Strong
Hobart Service


As the “other” father-in-law to  Sarah (KevinJoanis), I considered it a high privilege and great personal honor to know Jim. Without question it is one of the high points of my life. Welcome home, Sgt Leach and well done- well done indeed. 🙏 

Though I never had the chance to meet Mr. Leach, his reputation in the industry and how he treated customers was well known.  Appreciation for all the years of service and dedication to Hobart and the local community where his legacy will shine for many years.

May he Rest in Peace.

D. Aguilar / Hobart Service
Region Director - South

I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  My thoughts are with the family during this stressful time.

OBITUARY

James Morgan Leach

May 22, 1944 – May 3, 2021

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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