James Eugene Leslie

      James Eugene Leslie was born June 15, 1934 in Venice, Illinois to the late Paris John and Trula Mae (Weaver) Leslie and passed away on October 23, 2025 at the age of 91 years old.

      James was born in Venice, Illinois and spent most of his life in Granite City, Illinois, living in Puxico and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. James enlisted in the Navy on June 13, 1952 until June 6, 1955. He received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal with two stars. James was united in marriage to Doris Townsend on October 1, 1955 in Tunica, Mississippi. He worked at the Hunter Packaging Co. as a maintenance man until his retirement. James loved to work on old cars, went to yard sales and thrift stores and was always looking for a bargain. He loved being around his grandchildren and he will be missed greatly.

      James is survived by his three daughters: Joan (Donald) Frintz of House Springs, Missouri, Karen Woods of Park Hills, Missouri, Carol Harrington of Ballwin, Missouri; one sister: Merlene Pfeiffer of Granite City, Illinois; one grandson, Jason (Rosanna) Woods of Jackson, Missouri, two great grandchildren, Coty and Riley Woods.

      James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and one brother; Melvin Leslie from Granite City, Illinois and brother-in-law, Robert Pfeiffer.

      Visitation will be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

      Funeral service to be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.

             www.watkinsfuneralhome.com