James Lee Leap, son of Raymond and Bertha Leap, was born June 10, 1953 and departed this life on February 15, 2026; Jim was 72 years, 8 months and 5 days of age. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Janet Dianne Hale and Judith Kay DeGuire; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Leap and Brenda Leap. 

He is survived by two brothers, Jeffrey Ray Leap and Jerry Leslie Leap and two sisters, Joyce Ann Marshall and husband Bob and Joanne Marie Shaw and husband Bobby as well as many nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends to whom Jim was known affectionately as "JimBob".

Jim grew up on the 40-acre family farm near Fiery Fork outside Climax Springs, Missouri; he attended school at Climax Springs R-lV all 12 years. When he grew up, he built his own house on the farm and happily lived there entertaining any family and friends who liked to come and camp, hunt or just hang out.

Jim's Christian faith was an important part of his life and he read and studied the Bible scriptures intensely for the guidance and promises he believed in and relied on to navigate his life full of challenges. He never held a grudge, always turning the other cheek, and found a way to be cheerful through even the worst of circumstances. He would help anybody out that asked him.

Jim will be so missed by us all but we can find happiness in knowing the joy and peace that lies ahead for him now.

There will be no public services and a private family burial will take place at a later date in Granger Lane Cemetery, Climax Springs.