James “Jim” Alan Leitzke, 87 of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024 surrounded by loving family.
James grew up in Delavan, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed much mischief with his three brothers. He later proudly served in the Air Force from 1957-1962. He moved to Florida in 1966 and raised his family in Winter Haven, Florida. In 1983, Jim married Judi and went onto retire from General Telephone after 22 years. He and Judi then owned two restaurants before he fully retired.
In his retirement, Jim was very active in the Grand Horizons community, serving as treasurer on the HOA for three years, emceed the weekly coffee and donuts social, and gave blessings before the community meals. He also served as a deacon at Fairview Community Church. Jim and Judi loved to travel on their motorcycle or in one of their many motorhomes. They always looked forward to their next adventure, ultimately visiting all lower forty-eight states.
James is survived by his three loving children, Karen Fussell, Ricky (Michelle) Jackson, Cary (Stacie) Jackson, and; 11 grandchildren – Heather, James, Jessica, Kyle, Rachael, Nick, Kayla, Cameron, Savannah, Payton, and Emma, and; 13 great-grandchildren – Madison, Kaden, June, Abigail, Adilyn, Kaysen, Colton, Levi, Folsom, Londyn, Luke, Amelia and Kai.
Along with his parents and three brothers, James is predeceased by his wife Judi, son, Ken, daughter, Shari, and son-in-law, Keith. We take comfort in knowing he enjoyed a family welcoming in Heaven.
Though our hearts are heavy, we know he is pain free and is remembered fondly. Please join us for Jim’s Celebration of Life, March 8, 2025, at 11:00, Fairview Community Church in Zephyrhills. The burial will be held at Florida National Cemetery at a later date.