1950-2023

Pastor Jim Fulton Leach died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Oct. 4, 2023,at Christus Mother Frances in Tyler at age 73.

He is survived by his wife, Loraine, children, Melanie & David Pratt, Heather & Bruce Morphis, grandchildren, Bethany & Jesse Bengston, Alisha & Steven Mires, Kristen & Josh Mims, Halina & Masen Williams, Emily & Jose Piceno, and Braden Morphis, great-grandchildren Kason, Rylan, Kyler and London Bengston, Opal and Boone Mims, Everly and Addilynn Williams; his brother, Dan, and brother-in-law, Jerry Truett, and numerous family members and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leroy Fulton Leach and Naomi Guess Leach, siblings Robert and Leonard Leach, and Patricia Truett.

Jim was born March 13, 1950, in Edgewood to Leroy and Naomi Leach. He graduated from Canton High School in 1968 and enlisted in the Army in 1969. He served his country proudly until he was honorably discharged in 1972.

In 1975, Jim had total renal failure and in 1977, his brother, Dan, sacrificially donated one of his kidneys for transplant. Jim then went on to graduate from Dallas Bible College with a Bachelors in Biblical Studies in 1982. This began his career as a minister, teacher and coach at Terrell Christian Academy. He then went on to found Kaufman Christian School where he served as headmaster there for 13 years. After retiring from Christian education Jim was lead pastor of many churches in the surrounding area. He was the founder and current lead pastor at Canton Bible Church for the past 15 years.

Jim married the love of his life, Loraine Leach, on June 14, 1974. They were madly in love for 49 years. Due to the sacrifice Dan made, Jim was able to keep his borrowed kidney for over 46 years. This allowed him to attend college and begin ministering as well as spend many happy years with his beloved wife, Loraine, and their family. Jim was passionate about serving God and helping people. He loved celebrating holidays and birthdays with his family. He often enjoyed reading his Bible, numerous books, spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to garden and sit on the front porch with a warm cup of coffee while spoiling his dog, Jojo. His love for all kinds of music was strong and he never failed to dance when he heard it. He was witty, extremely generous, loving, and a joy to be around. Most importantly, Jim loved his Lord and Savior with all his heart and shared Jesus with everyone he met. A couple of his favorite verses were Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” and Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Love and Grace Family resource ministries www.loveandgracefrm.org Gideons International Van Zandt/Henderson County PO Box 1041 Canton, Texas 75103 Canton Bible Church PO Box 1296 Canton, Texas 75103