James H. Leech Iii

James H. Leech III, Ph.D. Jim Leech, age 78, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Weatherford TX on February 12, 1928 to James and Eloise Leech. Jim graduated from Byrd HS, Shreveport LA in 1945. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949 from the University of Texas, Austin, where he was also a member of the Longhorn Band. In 1957, Jim entered UT Graduate School of Biology where he was a research assistant in the Plant Research Institute and the Electron Microscope Lab. In 1960, he received his Ph.D. in Botany. In 1962, Jim presented a paper at the Society for Experimental Biology in Edinburgh Scotland. Being an Educator was not his only professional endeavor. He opened the Downtowner Motel in 1965; was a stockbroker and a trust officer at Capital National Bank. Jim returned to teaching in 1980, where he taught Biology at The Hockaday School as a Biology teacher from 1982 until his retirement. While living in Austin, Jim was actively involved in many community and social organizations. They included Laguna Gloria Museum, Austin Yacht Club, Tarry House, St. Andrew’s School Board, Austin Horse Show, Blanton Museum, Austin Symphony and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Sandi. Jim is survived by his brother Bill and wife Sue; daughters Melissa Leech and husband Victor Rivera; Moira James and husband Rick and their two children Will and Jack; and son Jimmie Burnett. Jim is also survived by his long-time friend Franklin Wu. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. David Morledge, Dr. Joseph Jankovic, the nursing & caregiving staff at the Summit at Northwest Hills. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Dr. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim may be sent to the St. Andrew’s Endowment Fund or to The St. Matthew’s Endowment Fund. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com