James W. Leary, age 95, of Jamestown, died January 10, 2017 at The Grove at Greenville.  Son of the late Ernest W. and Florence (Wood) Leary, he married Norma Ehrhart in 1948.

He graduated Jamestown High School in 1939, was president of his senior class, lettered in baseball, basketball and soccer.  In 1937, he was the first of his five brothers to play baseball with the Jamestown Redbirds.  In 1939 the Chicago White Sox's invited him to join their farm team.  He declined due to his father's untimely death and his need to help his mother with family responsibilities.  His interest in baseball continued and he founded and coached Jamestown's first Little League Teams. 

Jim served eight years on Jamestown Borough Council, six years as Jamestown's School Director and he was also a member of the Jamestown Municipal Authority, the Planning Commission, and was a charter member of the Jamestown Historical Society.  Jim was also the Co-Founder and President of the Jamestown Recreation Board, was a member of Jamestown V.F.W. Post #5242, was a member of the Jamestown Lions Club, where he had served as the clubs Secretary and as Deputy District Governor.  In addition, he had also served as a Boy Scout Leader and had been involved with the Jamestown Garden Club and the Community Fair Board. 

As a member of Jamestown United Methodist Church he taught Sunday School, served as an Administrate Board Member and as the Finance Committee Chairman.

During WWII, Cpl. Leary served in the United States Marine Corp. Pacific Theater as a Demolition Specialty, Co. “B” 3^rd Engineer Bn., and was a member of the Chi Chi Jima Marines. 

Leary's printing vocation began in 1939 at Progress Publishing, Co., Greenville.  Later, he was type-setter and pressman for Victor Printing Co., Sharon.  After retiring in 1983, he operated a small in-home printing and binding shop. 

Jim was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.  Hobbies included reading Historical Novels, gardening in his younger days, playing baseball, tennis, hunting and fishing.  He was a devoted husband, father and friend and enjoyed spending time with is immediate and extended family.

Mr. Leary is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma Ehrhart Leary, son Nathan Ehrhart Leary and his wife Becky of Greenville, Grandchildren, Ethan, Paige and Cameron Leary, Meghan Leary Firster and husband Shawn, Katherine and Colleen Leary, a great-grandson, Colton Firster, daughters-in-law, Diane Leary and Barbara Harper, a brother, Thomas Leary, a sister, Suzanne Courtney and many nieces and nephews.  Preceding him in death were his parents, sons, Timothy J. Leary and Matthew W. Leary and brothers Robert, Lloyd, Lewis, and John Leary.

Instead of flowers or cards, memorial contributions may be made to Jamestown VFW Post #5424, P.O. Box 464, Jamestown, PA 16134 or to the charity of the donor's choice.