James (Jim) Spencer Leaman

James (Jim) Spencer Leaman, 68, of Lima passed away Saturday, July 30, 2022. Jim was born on October 24, 1953 in Kalamazoo Michigan to Robert and Lois Leaman who preceded him in death. On July 20, 1974 he married Sheryl (Sheri) Rutherford who survives in Lima. Jim is also survived by his children, Jenny Leaman and Joe (Michelle) Leaman Grandchildren: Jillian Waller, Robbie Waller, Titus Leaman, Samuel Leaman Brothers: Bob (Lindsay) Leaman, Don (Susan) Leaman, Steve (Linda) Leaman, Phil (Susie) Leaman. Nephews: Steven (Melissa) Leaman, Matthew Leaman. Nieces: Ashley Leaman, Tina Leaman In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his niece, April Leaman. Jim is a 1971 graduate of Walter E Stebbins High School in Dayton, Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern Kentucky University in 1975 and later his Masters in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. Jim knew at a young age he would be an instrumental music teacher. In his high school days, he was a member of the Miller’s Blackhawks drum and bugle corp. After college, his teaching career began in the Dayton City Schools in elementary music and assisting with the Patterson Co-op High School bands. In 1978 Jim and Sheri moved to Lima and he continued his teaching in the Lima City Schools until his retirement in 2005. During his time teaching and after his retirement Jim was an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) as an adjudicator for Solo and Ensemble contests in various districts across Ohio. Jim was also a member of American Federation of Musicians, The National Association for Music Education, Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and a lifetime member of Phi Kappa Phi. Jim served as principal percussionist/timpanist in the Lima Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years, as well as being an active performer with the Lima Area Concert Band, Lima Marimba Ensemble, and various jazz groups. His legacy also carries on through the thousands of students he taught as a private instructor; band director at North Middle School in the Lima City Schools; adjunct professor at Bluffton, Ohio Northern University, and the University of Findlay; and percussion instructor for the Celina City Schools. Jim enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed working outdoors in the yard, grilling, and spending time with friends. As an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima, Jim also served as an usher on Sundays as well as being a member of various committees over the past 34 years. On special holiday services Jim also shared his musical talents with his church family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Lima Symphony and Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima, Ohio.