James "Jim" A. Leather

James “Jim” Alan Leather August 22, 1942 –April 21, 2026

83 years 241 days 14 hours.

Jim passed away peacefully in the home he shared with his loving wife of 62 years on April 21, 2026.

He was born to Myron A Leather and Elizabeth Jane “Betty” (McCabe) Leather at St Anthony Hospital on August 22, 1942, Rockford, IL. He attended many country schools including Sugar Grove grade school, rural Dixon IL St Mary’s grade school, Oregon IL, Mary Morgan grade school, Byron, IL, Byron country schools, Byron IL, graduating in 1960 from Byron High School. Jim served as an altar boy and helped his dad with farming in Ogle and Lee counties having survived polio paralysis. His early interests were FFA, 4-H where he showed Poland China hogs and being a member of the Byron Tigers Football team. While on a 4-H trip at age 18 he met the love of his life marring her 3 years later. Jim became an active member of the Gentlemen Car Club of Loves Park, IL. Determined that his children would only attend one school system he purchased a home in 1967 and remained in that home the rest of his life doing many remodeling projects. In his home he especially enjoyed many family gatherings with his grand and great-grandchildren. Jim always felt his home was especially filled with happiness when in grandchildren and great grandchildren were in it.

At age 17 after high school graduation, Jim started a 37 year career of working at Barber Coleman Textile Division. Attending Rock Valley night classes he became competent in COBL and Fortran and became an active member of APCES. After the closure of Barber Coleman Jim worked for other Rockford area companies with similar skill sets until retiring at age 82 as a consultant from IMA, Loves Park, IL. working from home during COVID.

Jim contributed to his community by being a Lions Club officer, Stillman Valley Boy Scout Troupe 315 committee chairman His Eagle Scout son was honored to assist him to Order of the Arrow honors. Jim was a supportive dad participating and helping with many activities like grilling pork chops at Fall Festival with FHA and president of the high school band parents loading many buses with drum sets and equipment as well as marching alongside the students during parades.

Jim was community minded and served as the longest serving Village President from 1984 to 2005 with an additional 6 years on the Village Board. He was currently serving as the Zoning Commission chairman at the time of his death. Jim was honored to serve as a member and Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League as well as serving as Sargent of Arms. While as a member of the Lyons Club, Jim light off fireworks for Stillman’s 4th of July celebration for many years. Jim was active and faithful in Lighthouse United Methodist Church, Oregon IL serving as Chief Trustee for many years.

Jim served on the Riverside Cemetery committee as treasurer in Oregon IL for many years. Jim loved to travel the beautiful Ogle County back roads as well as the “Grand European “ tour enjoying the sites and history.

On October 27 1963, Jim married Eve Christine Anderson Leather at the Winnebago Street Methodist Church, Rockford, IL. Having met her on the 4-H Citizenship Washington DC focus in 1961. Together they raised their three children, Mark Alan Leather, Kristine Kay Leather Paris and Andee Elizabeth Anderson Leather.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Daughter Krissy (Leather) Paris, nephew Nicholas Anderson and brother-in-law Denis Anderson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Eve Christine Anderson-Leather, son Mark Alan Leather of Oregon, daughter Andee E. Anderson-Leather of Leaf River grandchildren Mathew (Maryann), Jordan, Missy, Sami, Geoffrey, Sabrina. Great-grandchildren Athena, Addison, and Eleanor Ivy Rose. Brother, Jack E (Vicky) Leather Chattanooga TN and nephews Stephen, Chattanooga, and Sean (Darshana) and Kweli of Pretoria South Africa. Sister-in-law Beth Anderson Hall and nephew Zach Hall, both of Oregon IL. Nephew Stephen (Taryn) Anderson, Oak Park IL. Son-in-law Tony Paris, Knoxville, IL.

Thank You to Mercy Health Physicians and Staff, Greg Nowak MD and Jon Strutzenberg DO and the Stillman Valley Fire department. A special thank you to Tim and Cathy Greenfield, Diane and Craig Sand, and Ray and Pat Leather.

Jim was a Loving, devoted and patient husband and father who will be greatly missed.

GO BEARS, WHITE SOX, BULLS, JIMMY JOHNSON (NASCAR), AND THE FIGHTING ILLINI!!!!

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley. A funeral celebrating his well lived life will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at 11:00 AM at Lighthouse Methodist Church in Oregon with burial and a luncheon to follow.