James D. Leach

Jim had many lifelong interests including photography and coin collecting. As an amateur photographer, he had many photos of home football games featured in the University of Nebraska at Omaha game programs and media guides. In addition, Jim received an award of honor for photography in 1981, taking 1st place in district projects with the US Army Corps of Engineers. His coin collecting started as a 6-year-old attending coin auctions with his dad. Jim also enjoyed gardening, nature, history, sports, adventure outings and swimming. In his early years he was active in scouts, working his way up to Eagle Scout.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. He later furthered his studies at the University of Southern California, Institute of Systems and Safety Management. Jim worked for over 30 years for the US Government as an Airforce Safety Conservationist. He served as the Chief of Safety from 1988 to 1991.

Jim was very passionate about his alma mater, Washington University. He believed strongly about enriching the life of future graduates through a scholarship foundation for the School of Engineering and Applied Science biomedical engineering program.

Jim was a quiet and reserved gentleman, yet beneath his calm and modest nature was a warm and engaging spirit. He lived a full life, marked by independence, dignity and a man after his own heart. He touched lives in his own special way.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Cook Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home from 9am to 10am with a funeral service beginning at 10am. Interment will follow at Cook Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Park. A reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the interment.