James Hugh Leach, age 84 passed peacefully Thursday, April 25, 2024. He was born on September 1, 1939 to Hugh and Mary Leach in Union County, TN.

H.E. was a member of Fountain City Presbyterian Church where he loved his Good News Sunday School Class and volunteering. He could drive anything with a motor and repair any engine. He started his official working career driving a coal truck at the age of 16 and continued his mechanical work owning several diesel repair companies. He also owned many tractor trailers where he drove over the U.S. for himself and other carriers. Once retired he continued his mechanical work where he repaired cars, lawn mowers, tillers and anything else with an engine for family, neighbors and friends. He was an avid fisherman providing crappie for many fish fries and special occasions.

His favorite passion and name were being called "Papaw". He was completely devoted to his grandsons, Caleb and Aidan Leach and they enjoyed many adventures wherever those adventures might take them. He also enjoyed others who shared him as as their “Papaw”.

He was married to the love of his life, Christine for 62 years who he shared a love of family, UT sports and a lifetime of adventures. He was an amazing dad to David and Deanna and father-in-law to Melanie and Randy.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Hugh and Mary Leach, brothers Wade and Ralph Leach, sisters Loreene Thomas, Aileen Booker, Betty Clarkson. Brothers in law, Ray Thomas, Carson Booker, Virgil Clarkson, Elmer Ridenour.

He is survived by his wife Christine Leach, children, David (Melanie) Leach, Deanna (Randy) Thomas, grandchildren Caleb (Kristen) Leach, Aidan (Leah) Leach and great grandchild Emilia Leach, sister, Sarah (John) Mays, Sisters in law, Dollie Leach and Betty Brooks, brother-in-law, H.I. (Cheryl) Raley, many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Fountain City Presbyterian Church 500 Hotel Road, Knoxville, TN 37918 or Grace Chapel Knoxville for their building fund P.O. Box 23555 Knoxville, TN 37933.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Fountain City Presbyterian Church, 500 Hotel Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37918, Rev. Carl Grosse officiating. Graveside service to follow at 1 p.m. Saturday, Pleasant View Cemetery Maynardville. Family and friends will meet by 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville, TN for the funeral procession. Pallbearers: David Leach, Caleb Leach, Aidan Leach, Randy Thomas, Greg Monroe and Steve Thomas.

Friends and family may call at their convenience Thursday or Friday to sign the register. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.