James Alden Leithauser (click on link for obit)
A beautiful man and life. A life that made a difference to family, community, church, and children. A life of service and caring and laughter. This is how I will remember my father-in-law. As we reflect on how he cared, we think of breakfast and meals. Napkin-wrapped English muffins, fruit salad, fruit and veggie platters, HAM - oh the hams. When Joe took me home to meet his parents, not just one roast but two were prepared. He always shared a perspective or joke that guaranteed a smile or laugh. He cared that he brought that smile and would look and wait for it.
Last fall, we thought we'd be saying goodbye as Jim's kidneys and heart were thinking it was time to be done. It was not the time. That said, Jim's dementia and weakening health kept him from engaging and provided frustration for many including Jim. This was unfortunate. So many dear people helped care for him, kept him smiling with great-grandchildren visits, Cokes, outings, and patience and love. We're so grateful to all of those people. Last weekend his body did finally say, enough and he passed peacefully with the support of Hospice, and as you'll read in the obit, Nadine and Alicia were by his side.
I hope you'll read the obituary that outlines his service to the fire department, Little League, church. I always admired Jim and Nadine and their support of the community. We also liked the snacks and popcorn that made their way to our house! Alicia reminded us of his Donald Duck voice, and I'm so grateful his great-grandchildren smiled and giggled thanks to Jim.
He kept a beautiful yard, made a baseball diamond for his sons, and simply made the world a better place. His corner of the world in Sherwood was a delight to visit as a daughter-in-law, especially with small children. I love his son Joe Leithauser and love how he modeled care, partnership, love, and laughter. We always say Joe is the funniest Leithauser, I would like to amend this statement- it was Jim.
Life on Newark-Granville Road is so grateful for Jim's life and the legacy he made while here and the legacy that remains with his passing.
So many have asked what we need...we're okay- thank you! Yes, it is hard to say farewell and now don’t have Jim in our lives. And at the same time we're grateful he is not in the state he was, it was time. We're looking forward to gathering to honor and remember him. In place of flowers or looking for a way to support/honor Jim's life, Joe and I encourage you to make a gift to your local fire department or little league!
As I type this and think of ways to honor Jim, it is simple- doing something kind, make someone smile or laugh...thank goodness he did that for us.
Like many posts, there will be more- photos, relfections, memories...but for now these make me smile and capture Jim's essence and legacy!
Family and friends did a wonderful job sharing more photos and memories it has been a comforting few weeks10/20- Yesterday at the Delaware Township Fire Department- see their post below. We're grateful to Cupcake for the leadership with the food and the whole department for the event.
Delaware Township Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our own, but also to celebrate the life of our brother, Fire Fighter James “Jim”
Alden Leithauser. He was more than just a firefighter; he was a mentor, a protector, our favorite chef, and a pillar of our community.
For 35 years, he answered the call with courage and a selfless commitment to the safety and well-being of others before officially retiring from the department in 2022. He was a part of a family that understood the weight of a duty that is often 24/7, 365 days a year, which meant countless sleepless nights and I would say missed meals but Jim and his wife Nadine always made sure we had a meal ready for us at the station when we returned to service from a long night on a structure fire. Jim Leithauser always placed the needs of others above his own, and this is a legacy we should all remember and embrace.
Jim retired from active firefighting in 2009 but continued supporting the fire department by serving as the association’s treasurer. He played a significant role in managing kitchen operations, ensuring meals were provided at every meeting through his expertise as Chef Leithauser. For pancake breakfasts, Jim maintained a comprehensive supplies list that remains in use today.
His passing leaves a gap in our department, in our community, and in our hearts. We will miss his helping hand, his guidance, his laughter, his cricket sounds, and his presence at the station. But while he may be gone, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.
Let us honor his memory by continuing to serve our community; by embodying the courage and dedication he so profoundly demonstrated throughout his life.
A celebration of Jim's life, open to all friends and family, will be held on October 19, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Delaware Township Fire House.
James Leithauser, we thank you. You've answered your last alarm. We'll take it from here. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed.
The gun salute from the VFW was very moving. Having Caiden caring and playing with Alden, Alden smiling, pushing toys and then asleep in his grandmothers arms also added an element that was comforting. It was a special day and we're grateful for those that could attend, the messages and cards, we felt so supported as we navigate this time.
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| Nadine with her siblings |
I want to make sure I share two important memories to this post about Jim!
First our wedding...I left my purse with our room key. We had already driven off in the convertible (the top would not go down so I was annoyed) but we got off, happy. Then oh darn- we needed the purse- Joe circled back...leaving me in the car. Well that is its own story and amazing laugh with the buddies trying to drive off with me...but Joe came back and his Dad was so happy to see him. Joe's Dad said oh good- this is the lesson I forgot to tell you about marriage...they always leave their purse- always. It's your job- you have to remember the purse. I can hear him saying it, his voice, his smile....I think I have a photo of that but I wasn't there, maybe someone else took the picture, maybe my mind did...oh yay Jim for Jim and sharing little bits like that that, that matter.
The other memory CASH EXPLOSION 2014.....At Easter we had Cash Explosion scratch tickets. Joe said when we were choosing the type- get the Cash Explosion ones, Dad loves that show. At the end of the afternoon Jim explained Joés ticket allowed him to write his name on the back of one, and send it in to be a contestant. Joe said no but Jim should. Well we all forgot about it. Then a friend calls one Sunday and says they were watching the show and Joe's name had been picked for a future show. What? Jim had submitted Joe's name. Fast Forward Joe arranges for Jim to go in his place! They ended up in Hillard at a hotel with a pool, fun day out for Alicia and to meet others. Then those of us that could gathered to watch Jim on the show. It was a day of laughs, stress, family and memories. It was a fun way to honor and celebrate Jim. As we did yesterday. We'll continue to keep him close in our hearts and unite with the grandkids as family in December. We truly never leave our loved ones or let them leave us, gatherings are important and yesterday was an important and special day in our life on Newark-Granville Road with Jim as the focus.
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| 2014 Cash Explosion Day! |
