James Willard Leach, age 76, of Mooresboro, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the Mission Health-Asheville Specialty Hospital.

James was born Saturday, July 1, 1944 in Rutherford County to the late James A. Leach and Priscilla "Cella" Price Leach. He was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1962. James worked in textiles for many years. He worked at the John H. Montgomery Plant for over twenty-five years. He was a member of Hicks Grove Baptist Church an avid deer hunter and fisherman. James especially loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son and a brother, Robert Steve Leach.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of fifty-five years, Joann McClellan Leach; son, James Michael Leach (Evette Davis) of Rutledge, Tennessee; three sisters, Shirley Leach Deviney (Tom) of Forest City, Carolyn Leach McDaniel and Dawn Leach Parris (Robin) all of Mooresboro; sister-in-law, Gail Leach of Mooresboro; two grandchildren, James Clinton Leach and Kaylie C. Leach and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Hicks Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Brian Cole, Reverend Jamie McDaniel and Reverend Anthony Williams officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church. Mr. Leach will lie in state from 8:00 am until noon on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are requested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org

Harrelson and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com