James Leary's Obituary
James E. Leary passed away March 13, 2013 at his home in Memphis. He was predeceased by his parents, Glenn and Lillian to whom he was born on April 2, 1927 in Mariana, AR. He also was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jean on December 24, 2002 and by his second beloved wife of 4 years, Lenelle on December 10, 2007. He entered The Citadel (The Military College of South Carolina) at age 16. He completed his Plebe year and transferred to Duke University where he graduated in 1948. James entered the United States Army and served on active duty for 16 months. After the atomic bombs, he attended the Japanese Language School at Yale University. He was a First Lieutenant in the Counter Intelligence Course in 53 C.I.C. reserve. He graduated from Southern University School of Law and went into active law practice in July 1954 in Memphis. He was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976. James served simultaneously as President of the Memphis-Shelby County Bar Association and the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association in 1970-71. He retired in 1981. He was a perpetual member of the Military Order of the World Wars and served as Commander of the Memphis chapter in 1987-88; and afterwards served as Commander of the Tennessee Department for one year and then as Commander for Region V for one year. He is survived by his two beloved daughters, Joan L. Peck (James A.) and Jennie L. Wallin (Carl G.); grandson, James Peck (Danya); and great-granddaughter, Lainey Nicole. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by funeral services at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 17 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The Family will receive guests at the residence of James E. Leary following the graveside.
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