BRADENTON, Fla. —
James August Leffew, 79, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Traverse City, died with his soul-mate and, what they referred to themselves as "spousal alternative" of 28 years, Kristy A. Evon, at his side.
Jim was a college professor, mentor, mediator, moderator, musician, artist, actor, stagehand, director, writer, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, Devil's advocate and Logan Landing's familiar "old man" Santa Claus. How many roles does one actor portray?
We, his children, know that he performed each role with passion. His compassion and kindness was most evident as father, grandfather, mentor, and of course as Santa. His craftsmanship in the theatre as a director, designer, actor or musician was second to none. He could empathize and relate with any character or any other actor. All who knew Jim know that to say that our father was out of the ordinary is an understatement.
Jim was born in Redford Township on Oct. 24, 1932, to August John and Evelyn (Kullgren) Leffew. He graduated from Kaleva High School, and enlisted in U.S. Air Force. He served our country honorably and was discharged in 1955.
In Memphis, Tenn., in 1955, he married Dolores M. Mazzone, the mother of his children.
He received an AA from NMC, a BA in Speech and Theatre from Memphis State University and a MA in Interpretive Reading and Theatre from Central Michigan University.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his children, Kristin (Donald) Smeltzer, of Frankfort, Marc (Steve Roth) Leffew, of Houston, Texas, and Joshua (Heidi) Leffew, of Bear Lake; his grandchildren, Erin (Paul) Skiff, Evelyn (Bill) Ripple, Tom Gluszk, Andrew and Kristin Smeltzer, Luca and Bella Leffew; and special nephews, John (Shelly) and Jim (Tracy) Leffew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Andrew and Carolyn Leffew; and his former wife, Dolores.
Arrangements are by Jowett Funeral Homes.
Obituaries
July 7, 2012
James August Leffew
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