Leis, James (Jim)
April 27, 1950 to November 14, 2021
It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Jim Leis on Sunday, November 14, 2021, with his family by his side at his home in Stratford, after a long battle with cancer. Precious and devoted husband to Rosella (Gerber) Leis for 48 years. Beloved father of Rebecca (Patrick) Minor and 2 beautiful grandchildren Noa Minor and Sullivan Minor.
Survived by his siblings Glennis (Mark) Yantzi, Murray (Marilyn) Leis, Merlin (Angela) Leis, Paul (Charlene) Leis, Gloria (Dale) Freeman. Missed by his brothers-in law and sisters-in-law Ralph (Joanne) Gerber, Ken (Linda) Gerber, Marie (Sam) Assad, Orville (Bonnie) Gerber, Floyd (Pat) Gerber, Marilyn (Leonard) Hammer, Evelyn (Richard) Cook. Fondly remembered by his aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Predeceased by his parents Gordon & Marie (Erb) Leis, parents-in-law Ohmer & Sarah Gerber and nephew Andrew Cook.
Jim farmed for 42 years just down the road from where he was born and raised. He took great pleasure in cultivating his fields and raising his daughter on this beloved piece of land. He was so proud that his daughter and son-in-law will carry on the tradition there. Jim worked off the farm as a Probation and Parole Officer in Kitchener and Stratford for 28 years. His second career as a Financial Advisor and owner of Oak Tree Financial Milverton for 19 years gave him much pleasure. He proudly passed the business down to his son-in-law when he retired in December 2020. Jim and Rosella took many opportunities to travel and Jim enjoyed taking the time to plan detailed itineraries and excursions. He enjoyed playing hockey, skiing, curling and doting on his grandchildren.
Jim was a longtime member of Crosshill Mennonite Church where he served in various capacities including Sunday School teacher, youth sponsor, elder and missions committee. He also became involved in many community organizations such as Canadian Blood Services as the facilitator of the Blood Donor Clinic in Milverton for 10 years, United Way, Milverton Lions Club, Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, MCC Refugee Program and the G to G Trail.
Jim is now resting forever in the hands of God.
Visitation will be held at Crosshill Mennonite Church, 2537 Hutchison Road on Wednesday November 17, 2021 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A private family burial will take place in Maple View Mennonite Cemetery followed by a public memorial service at Crosshill Mennonite Church on Thursday November 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. As per the family’s request, for both the visitation or service proof of vaccination is not required, however masks are mandatory and social distancing must be respected. The service will be video recorded and the link posted here when available.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Crosshill Mennonite Church
2537 Hutchison Road
Millbank, ON N0K 1L0
Mennonite Central Committee (Ontario)
203-50 Kent Avenue
Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1
Canadian Blood Services
1800 Alta Vista Drive
Ottawa, ON K1G 4J5
or a charity of one's choice. Donations can be made by calling the Funeral Home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make a Donation link. Please forward your donation directly to the charity of choice at the above address.