James W. Leyanna

At 6-feet and 168 pounds, James W. Leyanna was a giant-of-a-man to his family and friends. He worked hard for them and loved life because of them. His unique smile portrayed friendliness as well as fun. His honesty and dedication showed the respect he had for others, which served as an example to those around him. Jim lived his life in fullness and joy. James was born at a time when America was moving ahead in industry and transportation. Charles Lindbergh made his solo flight across the ocean and Henry Ford began producing automobiles along an assembly line. In the port city of Muskegon, Michigan, Charles and Ethel (McKinnon) Leyanna welcomed the birth of their second child, James, on August 6, 1927. He and his brother Charles, who was four years older, enjoyed life on Henry Street, especially since they were just a short walk from the corner candy store. Jim had a fun-filled childhood that he shared with his good friends Art Cox and Bob Curran. They went to dances, parties and socialized at the Fruitport Pavilion and Pere Marquette Park. Already at a young age, Jim took an interest in music that was cultivated by his mother's talent as a pianist. She loved to play ragtime music and encouraged Jim to explore the drums. That launched Jim into the quasi-profession of playing drums and harmonica and singing in a band. He was invited to play at wedding receptions and various functions, such that he later considered taking up music as a career. The practicalities of earning a steady living pressed upon Jim at an early age when he got his first job as a pin-setter at the local bowling alley. In later years, Jim chose full time work with a stable company that guaranteed financial security, but he never lost his passion or talent for playing music. Jim graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1944, and he joined the Army on December 5, 1950. He returned to Muskegon and took a job with General Telephone (GTE) fixing troubled lines (Private Branch Xchange). Over the next 38 years, Jim worked for GTE, many of those years as an engineer who showed up every day in a shirt and tie. He never regretted making the choice to support his family with a "9-to-5" job. Jim chose his leisure time to pursue the activities he loved; music, pool , poker, bowling and ball games. He especially enjoyed " his boys " Zeke and Cody ( Golden Retrievers ). When it came to cars, Jim was especially fascinated with convertibles and he stayed true to Michigan's Big Three cars like Lincolns, Buicks, and Grand Marquis. Jim was an avid Michigan sports fan, Wolverines, Tigers and Lions. He enjoyed life and was made all the happier by the woman who became the love of his life. Jim was introduced to Judy Bordeau when he worked across the street from the Muskegon Airport where she worked. It was love at first sight. For a year after their first meeting, Jim managed to sweep Judy off her feet with his smooth talk and fun times. They went dancing, played cards and dined out, often at the restaurant that became their favorite-Lakos. Their great adventure continued when they moved to Florida in 1971 and were married at City Hall. When Jim's father died that same year, his mother came to live with Jim and Judy in 1972. Jim continued to work for GTE, Judy worked as a waitress and bartender. They both enjoyed Tampa life living just one mile from Busch Gardens. Their son James was born in 1977, and in 1982, Jim retired when Jimmy Jr. was in kindergarten. In retirement, Jim took up a new hobby...MOVING! Almost as a precursor to their next adventures, Jim and Judy renewed their vows in 1983 at a church in Lutz, Florida. In what seemed like two-year intervals, Jim and Judy moved-back to Muskegon and the Whitehall area then back to Florida where their daughters Vicki and Connie made frequent visits. At one stage, they lived in Greensboro, North Carolina before moving back to Muskegon once again. In 1995, Jimmy graduated from Whitehall High School and Jim went back into business. Jim had enjoyed buying and selling cars more as a pastime. As a more lucrative step in 1995 he bought Mr. Scribs Pizza in North Muskegon and turned it into a family business. Jim, Judy, and Jimmy worked together to make it very successful. They settled into what would be their last move-1057 Greenbriar Street in North Muskegon. Then on June 20, 2006, Jim suffered a stroke that changed life for him and his family. A second and third stroke eight months later put Jim's health in decline. With his thinning gray hair and endearing smile, Jim lived out his remaining months under the care of his family and he died peacefully on Monday. He will be missed and fondly remembered by his beloved family and cherished friends. Mr. James W. Leyanna, age 79, died March 5, 2007. Surviving is his wife of 35 years, Judy; son, James Leyanna Jr. of Muskegon; 3 daughters, Connie Leyanna of Florida, Vicki (Joe Howes) Fuller of Grant, MI, Cheryl Cline of Lansing, MI; 4 grandsons; mother-in-law, Beatrice Fitzgerald of Muskegon; several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held Friday, March 9, 2007, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel. Visitation is Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice.