Obituary of James Hervey Leach

James Hervey Leach, 94 of Virginia Beach, VA, formerly of Canisteo, passed away on September 23rd, 2024. He was a patient in nursing home care at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia since June 22nd, 2023. James entered Hospice care at the facility on February 15th, 2024. James was born in Thurston Township, New York, to Nellie Emma Look Leach and James Hervey Leach, Jr., on February 3, 1930. He was a loving provider for his family. He graduated from Addison Central High School in 1949. While finishing high school he worked a full-time job at Ingersol Rand. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was discharged as a veteran of the Korean War. James was employed by the Erie Railroad on September 13, 1950 and retired from Conrail Railroad, February 1992. He worked in railroad maintenance, dispatch, and retired as a Chief Signalman. He was also involved in the Railroad Union and served as area Secretary-Treasurer. Before living in Virginia Beach, James lived in Florida with his loving wife Joyce, for several years. They enjoyed the fellowship of many friends and cruise trips while there. James is survived by his daughter Sharon L. Forbes, son Michael J. Leach, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is survived by several loving nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, Parents, daughter Cheryl Marie, two sons James H. and Thomas A. and five siblings. A joint memorial service for James and his wife Joyce, will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the H.P. Smith and Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Canisteo, NY. A brief graveside service will follow at Rathbone Townline Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to The Waterford at Virginia Beach-Senior Living, Amedisys Hospice and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital-Nursing Home, for their kind and loving care during this difficult time. Also, thanks are extended to Holloman-Brown Funeral Home for their compassionate assistance. We have a deep appreciation for H.P. Smith and Son, Inc. Funeral Home and the services provided.