James (Jim) Leland Leighton, 94, of Hazelwood, MO, passed away peacefully on 8 July, 2020.
He was born to the late Clyde and Edna (Newsom) Leighton, on 19 March, 1926 in St. Louis,
MO.
A lifelong resident of the St. Louis region, he married the late Rosemary (Schroll) in 1951.
Jim was later the companion for some 20 years to the late Inez Rush of Godfrey, IL and Alton, IL.
He is survived by son Kim (Lisa von Stamwitz), son Brian (Elizabeth), and daughter Laura
(Michael Schmersahl) Leighton; grandchildren Robin, Nathaniel, Rebecca, and Elisa Leighton;
and great-grandchildren Jaden and Jessika Williams.

Devoted to his family, Jim was a loving father, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He had an
easygoing manner and was known for his playful sense of humor. He also loved to keep
moving, whether it was driving, yard work, or working on his homes. He was also quite the
lively dancer, having met both Rosemary and Inez at dances.
Jim graduated from Ritenour High School in 1944 and received his BS degree from St. Louis
University in 1950. After 27 years with Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, he retired as a senior
pharmaceutical representative in 1988.
Jim was a veteran of the European Theater in World War II, enlisting on 8 August, 1944
and serving 2 years as a Private in the Third Army.
There will be a graveside service held on July 31 st at 12:30 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National
Cemetery. A Celebration of his life will be held immediately thereafter at the Gold Star Pavilion
in Jefferson Barracks Park.
The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or Dementia Society of America.