James Donald Leslie loving husband father grandfather son brother and friend passed away from the loving arms of his wife of 47 years Joan Leslie; into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 2 2009. James was born on May 2 1941 in Pike County Kentucky. James is preceded in death by his father Amos Victor Leslie and Brother Ronnie; he is also survived by his son Brian Leslie (Lori) daughter Brigitte Leslie-Hall two grandchildren Tyler Leslie and Kaylee Hall. His mother Kathleen Leslie sisters Willa Johnson (Roger) Joanne Ratliff (Jim) Linda Cononie (John) Deloris Weaver (Bruce) Kathy Miller (Jake) Jenny Holstead (Ron) and many nieces nephews and friends. James is a Veteran of The United States Air force. James earned his Bachelors in Theology in 1974 in Little Rock Arkansas where he also was a Baptist pastor at Avilla Baptist church for six years. James was also a pastor of Clewiston Baptist church a Foreman at Sugar Mill Corporation and owner of Leslie's Paint Store in Clewiston Florida. After moving to Port Orange in 1977 he worked for Tompkins construction & Fantastic homes. In 1986 he received his residential license and started Leslie's Construction Company. He built Victory Baptist Church where he also served as minster until 2000. James also worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice and Sears until his retirement. A viewing will be held Saturday February 7th from 10:30 am to 11:00am. Services will take place at 11:00 am followed b y a graveside burial in the Veterans section of Daytona Memorial Park on Bellevue Ave in Daytona Beach. James will be missed by all of his family and friends.
. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange.