James T. Leach was born on August 29, 1916 on the family ranch near Bangs, Texas. He was one of 8 children born to Viola and Spurgeon Leach. He was raised and worked on the family ranch until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1941. James was trained as a munitions specialist for the 36th Infantry Division from Texas. He went on to serve and fight for his country in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. Upon returning from the war, he settled in Brownwood, Texas where he met and married Brunnetta Wyatt. The young couple moved to New Mexico and opened a chain of bar-b-que restaurants. In 1952, upon a close friend's insistence, James and Brunnetta moved to Midland to follow real estate and land development opportunitites. In 1954 and in 1962 their family grew to include Pamela and James W. Leach. In 1956 James began working for Union Texas Petroleum where he worked until his retirement in 1982. James enjoyed watch making and clock repair during his retirement years. He could often be found in his workshop working on a time piece. He also enjoyed coin collecting.James is survived by his wife, Brunnetta Leach, his son and daughter-in-law, James Wyatt and Stacy Leach and his daughter and son-in-law Pamela and Jeff Donahoe and four grandchildren, Emily and Maxwell Leach and Joseph and Daniel Donahoe.Private memorial services were held on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland with Monsignor Larry Droll officiating.The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to Hospice of Midland, Inc., P.O. Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702.,
