James (Jim) L. Leach, Jr. was born Dec. 19, 1947, in Vincennes, Indiana, the eldest son to James L. Leach Sr. and Mary Jane Zipprodt currently of Flat Rock, IL. He died at home Monday, November 26th 2007 at noon from lung cancer. His body has been donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois as he wished. Jim grew up in Urbana and resided in various places including Mississippi, Florida, Vermont, and most recently Urbana. Jim attended several universities including the University of Illinois where he studied sculpture. Off and on for 30 years, he worked for Centerline and Techline, building cabinetry. Jim was an accomplished craftsman specializing in customizing products to customers needs. Surviving are his wife Susan Davis of Urbana, his parents, his brother Bob Leach and his wife Bette of Urbana, his sister Janet Peshkin and her husband David, nieces Catherine and Julia Snapp and nephew Ian Snapp, all of Vermont. Also surviving are his daughter Kelly Russell, her husband Patrick, grandsons Bryson Martin and Lance Russell, all of Champaign. He was an active member and commodore of the Barnyard Yacht Club and avid collector of boats of all kinds. Jim considered himself an observer of the human element and was curious about and cared for everyone he met. Jim was a unique individual that will be missed by many. His last wish was for everyone to tell their children to never smoke. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Wednesday, December 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Iron Post, 120 S. Race, Urbana.