On July 15, 2023, friends and family came together at the Hope UCC Church in Windgap, Pennsylvania (and on Zoom) to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of Reverend James Leamon.
This video captures the videos, music, and sharing by friends and loved ones. I hope it is as memorable for you as it was for those of us who were able to participate.
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Video memorial of James W. Leamon's life
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Dawn and Family,
I was part of the youth group at St. John's Mickleys from 1972-74. Today, I happened to think about my time there, and I couldn't recall Rev. Leamon's last name. (We used to call him "The Rev" back then!) It took a search on Newspapers.com to find him. Back in 1972, I was 16 and had just gotten my driver's license when my friend Donna invited me and my sister to join the youth group at her church, St John's. There were 15 kids or so in the group. After learning online of his passing and watching your tribute video just now, I burst into tears hearing his granddaughter, Kimberly, singing "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord." It was a Saturday in 1972 when The Rev took our youth group to the off-Broadway production of Godspell in NYC, where I first heard that song. I will never forget that night, nor that song, nor the man who took us there. The Rev also took us to Toronto, Canada; to Child's Park, and I'm sure to other places I've forgotten. One specific memory I have at St John's is when my sister and I sang the song "Black and White" by Three Dog Night at a Sunday morning service while playing our guitars. We also had sleepovers at the church, and I remember the "rap sessions" we had at our regular gatherings and the prayers in a circle holding hands. Even though I was a member of a nearby Lutheran Church, my sister and I were welcomed at St John's as part of the church family. The Rev knew how to bring the youth into the church by using their culture to connect to larger issues of life and faith. Teenage years are such a pivotal time in any young's person's life, and The Rev and his wife were simply wonderful people to share their lives, their time, and their faith with us young people. We never seemed to be a bother, but rather a joy to be around. And to think how busy they must have been back then with their small children! Looking back, I can only say a million thanks to all the sacrifices they made to invest in young people. Wishing God's richest blessings to the Leamon family, from one whose life "The Rev" touched long, long ago.
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I graduated from EC in 1965 and knew Rev. Jim from his years at EC. As an E&R/UCC PK (my dad helped write the original Statement Of Faith) I understand a bit of the trials and tribulations of Jim's kids. Their family memories were great to hear in their memorial video and I am sure he was so proud of each of them. I can't get the opening song of Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord out of my head--we are all called to do that in our lives. I have posted a picture of the EC President conducting mandatory chapel one Monday morning after the Asst. Dean of Students VW came down the main aisle of Hammerschmidt Chapel over the weekend. Rev. Jim undoubtedly saw this and many other interesting things at EC. Shalom to all.
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1963, Elmhurst College, South Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois, USA
Mandatory Chapel in 1963 at Elmhurst
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I have many fantastic memories with my Uncle Jim. I grew up visiting my Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol over many years. They are some of the richest and fun memories of my life. This particular memory is from a youth group trip to an indian reservation with the goal of restoring a church to functionality. As you can imagine, supplies were limited and budgets were tight. I remember being in the kitchen of the church where Uncle Jim was preparing to lay down tiles with the glue underneath. I want to be helpful so I say I will help. Uncle Jim pauses and he asks me if I have done this before. Of course I had not, but I wanted to be helpful and said I could do it. He slowly and methodically tells me what side of the tile gets the glue, how to place it, and space it properly. I promptly get started....and glue the wrong side and stick the tile to the floor. Uncle Jim looks at me attempting to not yell and in an almost calm voice says, "That is the wrong side you.....twinkie!" Needless to say, five minutes later I was on the roof of the three story church with a snow shovel removing shingles.
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Dad - my coach - Wrestling! - enough said
He influenced a geeky smart kid to become a beast on the mat (lettered in 3 sports in HS and placed in wrestling tournaments in College): a starting defensive end in football in HS and a sprinter in Track and Field (with a few smarts).
Changed my life - confidence and decent looks - lol!!
Love you dad!
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Another amazing dad story...
Dad married Patti Green and me 10-5-1991- I remember the day so vividly and with such love and gratitude. He 'co-officiated' our special day at our Stamford CT church, Long Ridge Congregational Church (LRCC) with the pastor Robert Childs.
Dad was nervous a bit - which was surprising to me. When he asked Patti and I what we wanted him to say in the charge, I tried to help by telling him to the message that he always does at weddings. It was perfect, as he delivered a heartfelt, personal, humorous story of how he saw Patti and I and what we represent in the big Leamon-Green family. All 8 of our grand parents were present - he worked that into the story. What a great memory. He even warned Patti that she would become a Philadelphia Phillies fan now! And she still is. And she remembers that vividly :)
A year earlier, I got my first real job after college in Stamford - cool! - but I had nowhere to live. So Dad, mom and I went to look for an apartment for me, just a week before I started my job! We were at the Stamford downtown mall eating dinner and almost out of options. So dad in his super-social and most friendly way - asked the bartender at the restaurant if they knew of a place for me to stay. It turned out that the bartender and her partner (also a bartender there) had a room open in the house they were renting!! Thanks dad for your great persistence and love of people. You helped me make a great start.
Later that first year I was looking for a church and running out of options. So dad gave me his UCC book that lists all the churches in the Connecticut conference. Wow, the first church I tried was LRCC, a UCC church. It was great and they had a young adult group called the Yacht club (Young Adult Christians Hanging Together). So cool - in no time, I was one the softball team, part of a young adult bible study, in the choir (mom (of course) and I did that in Dunkirk). The first day i went to the church for a service, the first person I met - was Patti's mom Lois. Thanks dad for being a great guide in my life.
Dad welcomed Patti and the whole Green family into our love filled lives, which are even stronger today.
From the deepest part of my heart - I love you dad!
Jim C
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Just one story of thousands....
Dad was just about everything for me in my life. I was transitioning from the umbrella of love at our Dunkirk NY home as a graduating high school senior to the harsh reality of a top level college, RIT in Rochester NY. Not only was dad instrumental in getting me to RIT through supporting all my academics and pushing me to be a great high school athlete, he, mom and I were on the phone for hours during my first year at RIT. I was devastated - falling off a cliff mentally - but dad was there - supportive and loving and encouraging me that I can do it.
That was my dad.
He was my coach, mentor, parent, spiritual guide, advocate and social example of how to treat people. Can't describe it in words.
So today is our celebration of dad's life. He lives in all of us. He is in my head and encouraging me to be me. He is loving where he's at now and mom is there to enjoy it with him :)
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Dawn, You have surely been through an enormous series of challenges these past few years and I know that you met them with the courage and faith your parents graciously bestowed on you and your brothers!! Your Dad led me through some rough times and I will never forget these words "Only those that truly LOVE, grieve." Those insights have guided my life challenges and loses with a special feeling of comfort in grieving. Love, Diana
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If you are planning to join us for the celebration of life service, please RSVP on this website or contact Dawn (603-785-4338 or dawnrleamon@gmail.com).
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Unfortunately I will not be attending Jim's Celebration days. You all are in my Heart & Thoughts.
Love to you all. Wendy
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Dawn, Jimmy, Heath and Family,
Our entire Cabral Family was so very saddened by Jim’s passing. Our children, Kristin, Jeremy, Sarah, Emily and we remember vividly and fondly their times with Jim, Carol and Heath as our family grew in their life journey.
Jim, you were always such an inspiration to us and so many people, you reached out to many so expansively and touched so many lives far and wide❣️ Your kind, unassuming and caring ways helped make us all better versions of ourselves. Your leadership and attentiveness in all that you did to help in ‘Building’ our church and congregation at Malletts Bay Congregational Church in Vermont as well as the association you had with our local Colchester Community will always have continuing affect on all that knew and loved you❣️
Your Life’s Journey will always be part of our Family’s memories and legacy. Jim, rest Easy and Peacefully, we know your journey will continue Hand-in-Hand with Carol on your next adventure!
Our Love to you, Carol and your Family,
Claudia & Michael Cabral
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Diane, our deepest sympathy to you and the loss of your brother. I know how very close you two were. Sending prayers and love your way.
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Truly a loving and caring man. Will always remember we were blessed to have him preform our wedding ceremony. RIP Rev Jim
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My condolences to Rev. James's family. He was my cousin and I always enjoyed the times we got together. The entire Leamon family has always been so loving and fun to be around. I especially remember all the gatherings at Aunt Emma and Uncle Jim's house. Always a great time and great memories. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am glad that I got to see all of you the last time I was at Dawn's place in Merrimack NH. Rev James always made me feel loved and accepted. When My late husband Jon and I visited Pennsylvania one time. He showed both of us such love and compassion and I will never forget his kindness towards us both.
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He was a great man. I’m sure god has a special place for him. And all his relatives are having a big welcome home party. My condolences on your loss. He will be sorely missed.
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Dad Leamon was so much more than a father in law to me. When he officiated our wedding he joked that if I married his son I must become a Philadelphia sports fan especially a fan of the Phillies. He loved my 3 children immensely. We all miss him but know that he is in a better place and is with mom Leamon
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I am very sad to hear this. He was like a father to me when I needed one the most and helped me forge life long friendships through wrestling and Youth group... He will always be remembered Fondly... All my love and big hugs to Dawn Jim and Heath...
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