Jim Leach

January 4, 1962 - September 16, 2021

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The Branch at NPW

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Tuesday 9/21, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jim Leach, 59, of Midland, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021. He was born on January 4, 1962 to Brunnetta and James Leach. Jim attended school at St. Ann’s Catholic School, Bowie Elementary, and San Jacinto Junior High School. He then graduated from Midland High School. Jim furthered his education at Midland College, Texas Tech, and The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

In 1991, Jim married Stacy Hawkins. They welcomed Emily Abigail to their family in 1997. In 2001, their family grew once more with the birth of Maxwell Wyatt.

Born and raised as a native Midlander, Jim had many passions and hobbies including beekeeping, scratch-building science fiction models and dioramas, and studying West Texas geology. For over twenty years, Jim was a beloved educator with Midland Independent School District. He enjoyed teaching social studies and math but his passion fell in teaching fifth grade science. Professional honors included Teacher of the Year at Fannin Elementary, as well as receiving the MOST award for Most Outstanding Science Teacher from the West Texas Geology Foundation in 2006. The award that he was most proud of was when former students would return to visit him. He was proud of the adults that his students had become. Many of these students would name Mr. Leach as their all-time favorite teacher.

He is survived by his wife, Stacy Leach; and children, Emily and Max Leach.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Travis Leach, and his mother, Brunnetta Leach.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to West Texas Cat Wranglers at www.MidlandCatWrangers.org.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at The Branch at npw, 3800 N. Big Spring St.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

The Branch at NPW

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Tuesday 9/21, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Sad to see a fellow Starwars fan go. He was a great man that will be missed by many. The force will be with you always.

Jim: Was a great friend throughout Junior High School and Midland High. I unfortunately lost touch with Jim, following college. I am so sorry for his families loss, Jim clearly left a tremendous legacy behind with his family and students. Jim will forever be young in my memory. God bless

Jim was my friend and next door neighbor growing up in Midland on Western Ave. We had worn out a path between our two houses over the years playing together. Jim loved Star Wars and I would come over and watch him build models and run around the neighborhood. Although I was 2 years younger, he treated me like an equal. When Jim got his driver's license, we would run around town in his white Chevy Vega. We both went off to college but stayed in touch and would visit each other when we came home during the summers and holidays to catch up. I was a groomsmen in Jim's wedding and I still have and cherish the pocket knife he gave me as a groom's gift. Since then, every time I would come back to visit my parents in Midland, I would run down to his house and say hello. Jim was a big part of my growing up and I will dearly miss him. Rest in Peace my friend.

As I'm sure you all know Mr.Leach was the best teacher that so many have ever had. I will never forget him or stop missing him. one of the years I was in his class, I believe it was 5th grade and then I was lucky enough to have him again in 6th, he had a brick in his classroom for some reason. Well I had free time one day and made this brick a suit out of note book paper and we named him Fred. Mr.Leach did his best to protect Fred from the other students for as long as he could. And that was the highlight of my 5th grade year. May he rest in peace. Sending prayers for his wife and children.

I was so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a wonderful person and amazing teacher... I loved teaching with him. I think of him every Christmas when I put out the amazing Santas that he gave me when his mom passed away. They are some of my favorites. I also remember how wonderful Stacey was to my granddaughter when she was at Goddard. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The Low Family is so very saddened to hear about the loss of your precious loved one, especially Elizabeth, Lauren and Audrey. The Fannin students and parents are praying for you all.

I am so sad to hear of Jimbo's passing. We attended Midland High School together. He was a witty and lifted the spirits of those who knew him. We both became teachers and I know he touched to lives of thousands of students. We will be praying for Jim's family and friends...

Mr. Leach was a fantastic teacher and he taught all 3 of my kids and they all loved him. My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, his Fannin family and the many students who he inspired every single day. May he Rest In Peace.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.