James Edward Leslie, 80, of Fayetteville, passed away on January 21, 2022 at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville from complications of Covid infection. He was born December 23, 1941 in Springdale, AR to James Royce Leslie and Ethel Harrison Leslie who preceded him in death. He and Glenda Susan Ames were married in 1969 in Fayetteville. She preceded him in death in 2020. They had been married 51 years.
James was a graduate of Springdale High School and received a degree in architecture from the University of Arkansas in 1973. Prior to graduation, he served two years in the U.S. Peace Corps building schools in Gabon, West Africa. Following his service in the Peace Corps, he joined the U.S. Navy Seabees and served two deployments in Vietnam over four years. He worked in architecture in Oklahoma City, OK and retired from Superior Wheel Company in Fayetteville. He enjoyed his grandchildren, art and writing poetry. He won blue ribbons for his poems in veterans administration competitions. James attended the Elkins Full Gospel Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Vikki B. Leslie Davidson of Fayetteville; two granddaughters Lauren Fenner Phillips and Buckly Davidson Phillips, both of Fayetteville; his sister Dorothy Leslie Adair (Oren) of Tucson, AZ; his brother Douglas Leslie (Sara) of Cape Girardeau, MO; a brother-in-law Paul Ames (Ann) of Benton, AR; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends; and special friend Jan Jarnigan of Fayetteville.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Monday, January 31, 2022 at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Ray Shackelford officiating. Interment will follow in the Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until service-time on Monday at the funeral home.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care and compassion of the VA Hospital 3rd floor Covid ICU Unit medical staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AAT THIS TIME. I REMEMBER JAMES AS A STUDENT FROM HIGH SCHOOL. ENJOYED VISITING WITH HIM AT THE CLASS REUNIONS OLLIE GUESS HOLLOWELL
Being in school with James, I remember him being in classes like Science Club ,Industrial Arts, Mechanical Drawing and a member of the National Honor Society. A studious and quiet person – always a gentlemen. We are all blessed with his loving memory.
Danelle Bell Carpenter
Class of 1959-Springdale High School
So sorry for your loss. Really enjoyed being church with him. And listening to his poems
Fair Winds and Following Seas, ship mate. We have the Watch.
He was a really nice guy. He had some great poems that he love to read and lived talking about all God had done for him. He’s having a great time in Heaven. We miss you Jim.
The Shackelford’s
Love you Daddy! I’m gonna make you proud. You said I would be taken care of and I’d be fine. I just wanted you to know that I am doing the best I Can and I am still gonna make you proud. Your never gonna believe it dad but I met my Biological mother and We have known each other for 6-8 years. It’s crazy! She is amazing! She said thanks for raising me. She will be at the funeral! Love and miss you dearly!
I love you Vikki. And yes I will be there. I wish I could have met both of your parents. They were wonderful people what I knew of them. Mr and Mrs Lesley I’ve got her from here on. I’ll do my best to finish what a lovely lady she’s become. And I thank you two from the bottom of my heart.
Vikki and family, I graduated with Susan and attended her funeral. You brought James to the Party Barn
for the SHS Class of 65 dinners. Just wanted you to know I am so sorry to hear of James’s death. He was a very
nice person. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.