Born in Southington on August 11, 1960, he was the son of the late Harold and Mary (Mullett) Leighton. He graduated from Goodwin Technical High School. He worked at Pratt & Whitney for over twenty years; first as a jet engine mechanic in Cheshire and later as a machinist in Middletown.
A beloved father of two children and "Papa" of two grandsons, Jim's greatest joys in life were derived from building memories with his family. He never missed an opportunity to attend one of his children's games or recitals, and later in life a day at the splash pad with his grandsons. Rarely seen without his dog Charlie (and previously Ria), Jim was truly a lover of all animals. He loved spending time on the water whether it be at the beach or on a lake. He was an avid fisherman and boater, and always enjoyed a good movie and popcorn with his wife and family.
Besides his devoted wife of 37 years, Jim is survived by his son Justin Walter (JWL II) and his wife Alison Leighton, his daughter Amanda and her husband Nick Recchini, and his two grandchildren Lincoln James and Leighton Barrett all of Southington. He is also survived by his loyal dog Charlie and two "grand puppies" Lenny and Watson. Additional surviving family includes his cousin (and best friend) Dana and his wife Cathy, his niece Heather and her husband Dave, sister-in-law Ellen and her husband Dave, and brother-in-law-Scott and his wife Andrea. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a sister Angela Nadeau.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 1-3 pm followed by words of remembrance at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.
For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.dellavecchiafh.com <http://www.dellavecchiafh.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.dellavecchiafh.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.dellavecchiafh.com/> <
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Connecticut Humane Society ( <https://cthumane.org/>).
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