CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Reverend James William Leamon

Reverend James William Leamon, age 81, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, coach, counselor, and pastor passed away on May 14, 2023.

Jim Leamon was born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on July 20, 1941. His parents James Leamon and Emma (Schoch) Leamon were hard workers. His mom worked at two movie theaters, and his father worked for Easton Sanitary Milk Company. His grandmother, aunts and uncles were a close knit family and family members took turns watching him while his parents were at work.

As a teen, Jim attended Easton Area schools, participating in football and wrestling. Reverend Baum and Reverend Longsford (who was in charge of youth programs at his home church, St Mark’s in Easton, Pennsylvania) got him involved in the programming for the youth group. He was president of the Youth Fellowship, president of East Penn Synodical Youth group, a delegate to the National Youth Council in 1958, and a caravaner in July 1959. He also organized dances every week and church programs before and after the dances. Jim credited his involvement in the youth program and the influence of Rev. Baum for pushing him to go to seminary and becoming a minister.

Jim graduated from Elmhurst University in 1963. He was the co-captain of football, president of the “E” club and awarded most valuable wrestler trophy in his junior year. He worked as a sports writer and in the Congregational Church in Elmhurst, Illinois. Jim met his wife, Carol, while attending Elmhurst University. They were married one week after graduation on June 8th, 1963. He graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary on May 31, 1966. Their daughter, Dawn, was born while he was attending Lancaster Seminary. Their son, James, was born 10 days before they moved to their first church in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. And their second son, Heath, was born a few years later in 1970.

Throughout his 54 years in the ministry, 6 churches, and a lifetime of social activism, Jim fostered youth-centered programs with relentless enthusiasm and remained open to new ways to do God’s work. He served in Nanticoke, PA, Whitehall, PA, St. Louis, MO, Dunkirk, NY, Colchester, VT, Verona, NJ, and Maple Shade, NJ. Throughout his professional career, Jim also served in various other roles, including: chaplain; co-founder of community center, drug rehab center, flood relief center, and 24-hour counseling service; organizer for Church World Service, Burned Church Justice and Witness ministries, and disaster ministries.

Although Jim had a successful ministry, his family was most important. He was married to his wife and partner, Carol, for nearly 60 years. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren showing them unconditional love and making them laugh. He always made time for his family.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the celebration of his life in person or virtually. Click on events here: everloved.com/life-of/james-leamon/