Ralph James Leech Jr.

R James Leech, Jr. 90, of The Village of Poinciana, died after a long illness on 3/10/17. He was born in Marion, IN, an Eagle Scout, graduated from Marion HS and enlisted in the Navy where he served during WWII. He was Manager/Owner of a retail men’s clothing store where he had been named 1984 Retail Merchant of the year. Jim was a life member and 32nd degree Mason. He and his wife, Betty Ruth, began their 1st retirement in 1986 near Grayling, MI, on The Au Sable River, where he was an avid fly fisherman; and their 2nd retirement in The Village of Rio Ponderosa in 1993. He was a charter member and 2-year president of The Villages (Sumter) Republican Club, a charter member of The Tri-County Fly Fishers Club and a member of American Legion Post 347. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty Ruth of almost 70 years, sons Nate and Jay, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded by his daughter Gretchen Deleo. A memorial service will be held at Oxford Methodist Church on 3/17/17 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cornerstone Hospice.