Jimmie Robert Leatherman was born  December 10, 1943 in Sacramento, California to Ernest and Elladean Leatherman. He grew up in Hollister, Missouri. As a child, he often helped out on the family farm. He also enjoyed playing basketball for Hollister High School where he graduated in 1961.

After graduation, Jim attended College of the Ozarks before he was drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He served a tour in Vietnam as a Combat Engineer in the 39th Engineer Batallion. Through the service of his country, Jim established life long friendships.

Upon completion of his tour, Jim returned to Taney County where he worked for the Missouri Deparment of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator. He went on to have a long career through MODOT where he made more treasured and lasting connections. He retired in 1998 as the District 8 Area Maintenance Supervisor for the Lebanon Area.

Jim loved coon hunting, bluetick hound dogs, and fishing for catfish and crappie. He loved spending time outdoors and tending to his garden. Jim married the love of his life, Beverly, on July 7th 1987. They spent their days together in Lebanon, MO. Later in their retired life, Jim and Beverly moved to Warsaw, MO and traveled as snowbirds to Okeechobee, Florida! Here, Jim made many dear friends.

In his elderly years, Jim resided at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mount Vernon, MO. Jim spent his final days treated like the hero he was and grew quite fond of the fellow Veteran residents and his caretaker staff.

Jimmie was a firm believer in the Word of God. He attended the Church of Christ throughout his entire life. Jim was indeed ready to see the face of the Lord and his loved ones who had passed before him. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Ernest and Elladean Leatherman; his brother, Jesse Leatherman; and his wife, Beverly Leatherman.

Jim is survived by his beloved siblings: Judith Haefeker, Glenda Stein, and Jack Leatherman (Liz).
His dearest children: Patricia Pingel (Scott), Pamela Colstrom (David), Bill Worley, and Brandy Mason (Jeff).
His nine adoring grandchildren: Cody Worley, Cassidee Jacobsen,  Megan Treml, Evan Pingel, Levi Newman, Austin Franklin, Caleb Franklin, Brandon Worley, and Debra Worley. Jim has numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins that all meant much to him, as well.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the Branson Church of Christ.  Visitation will be at 10:00 AM until services time.

Burial will be at 9:00 AM, Friday, July 26, 2024 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson.

Jimmie’s life here on Earth was treasured by many. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to one of the following:

MO Veterans Home Assistance League (1600 S Hickory Street Mt. Vernon, MO 65712)
Bible Institute of Missouri
Springfield, MO
Fair Haven Childrens Home
Strafford, MO