Jimmie D. Leath

Jimmie E. Leath, 81, passed away on November 23, 2010 in Midland. He was born June 5th, 1929 in Wichita Falls, TX to Erskine and Eleanor Leath. He graduated from Wichita Falls High in 1946 and from Texas Tech in 1952 with a degree in architecture. Jimmie married Turla Ann Bates in Midland on July 4th, 1952. He was drafted in November of 1952 into the US Army during the Korean War. He served as a CIC investigator, being station in Baltimore and Salt Lake City, where their first daughter was born. Following his discharge from active service in 1954, Jimmie and his family moved to Lubbock where he practiced architecture and their second daughter was born in 1955. In 1957 he moved his family to Midland and went to work for Pierce, Norris, McCutchen and Pace, before opening his own office in Midland. Jimmie and Turla had two more daughters in 1959 and 1964 in Midland. He was a member of the AIA for many years and retired from practicing architecture in 1986.As a youth, Jimmie was a member of the Sea Scouts in Wichita Falls and held that organization close to his heart, even organizing and hosting a reunion of the group in 2008. Jimmie was instrumental, along with Frank Cowden Jr., Henry Farias and others starting the Christmas in April program while serving on the board of the Park Center YMCA in Midland. He also served on the board of the Salvation Army and the Board of Adjustments for the City of Midland. He was a member of the Midland West Rotary Club and the Permian Basin Gun Club. He was a staunch supporter of the National Rifle Association.Being the father of four daughters, he endured many piano and dance recitals and well as volleyball games to show his support but his real passion was hunting and fishing and taught his daughters a love for the outdoors early on.Jimmie and Turla enjoyed many years of traveling the United States and Mexico in their motor home. He preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Jimmie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Turla, and his daughters Susie Ingram and husband Doug of Colorado Springs, CO., Tracy Leath of Sterling City, Petey Ray of Midland and Nancy and husband Skeete Foster of Sterling City. Also six grandchildren, Jeff and Amber Ingram and son Caleb, and Sara Ingram, all of Colorado, Shane Bright of Lubbock, Brandi Taylor and husband Justin of Poteet, Texas, Zane Foster of Austin and Lacy Foster of Burnet, Texas. Also surviving are his sister in law, Pat Clarke and husband Ed of Houston and nephews Bruce Clarke, Mike Clarke, and Frank Clarke and wife Andrea, and dear friends Brian and Meike Curtis. Nephew Frank credits uncle Jimmie for teaching him how to fish and enjoyed many good times on the water together. Per his request, he will be cremated and no services will be held. Daddy, we hope for you, "Aqui, pescado, aqui!"Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,