James L. Leppert

James L. Leppert, retired steamfitter (pipefitter) of Local 486, died Saturday, Jan. 17th, 2015, at the age of 65. A current resident of Laurel, James was born in Louisville, Ky., to the late Gladys and Charles E. Leppert III.  Jim proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.  In addition to Connie, his wife of almost 45 years, Jim is survived by his son Timothy and his fiancé Joy Sowers, whose presence always brought a smile to Jim's face, and granddaughter Shayla J. Sowers (graduate of Frostburg State).  Also survived by  his “semi adopted son” Daniel Ryan and his wife Kelly, whose cookies made Jim only want more, and granddaughter Holly E. Ryan. Brothers include Charles E. Leppert III and his wife Carol of Floyds Knob, IN, Eugene Leppert and his wife Gerrie of Louisville, KY, and the late Thomas Leppert formerly of Lexington, KY. Sisters include Mary Jo Martin and her husband Mal Martin of  Lake Geneva, Fla., and the late Nancy Rickert and her husband Wayne of Lexington, KY.   It would be remiss not to mention the following in-laws located in Maine who thought so much of Jim, and for whom Jim had done so very much: Elizabeth E. Blethen, Lloyd V. Blethen Jr. and his wife Joan, Marilyn Blethen Brewer and her husband Jerome, Douglas E. Blethen and his wife Patricia, Diane Blethen Breeding and her husband Flint, Matthew R. Blethen and his wife Rebecca, the late Lloyd V. Blethen Sr.  Also, a special heartfelt thank you to Jim's healthcare nurse Phyllis, whose years of care for Jim meant so much.

Jim’s son Timothy, also a steamfitter out of Local 486, spent afternoons and weekends during the past five years with his Dad.  Since they often worked together on the same job sites, they shared many memories which Jim enjoyed immensely.  During that time, they worked on projects at Jim’s home located in Laurel, Maryland.  Projects included the addition of a wood stove, splitting firewood, creating a garden, and finishing a shed.  Jim was so very proud of his son and could not have asked for a better one.

Services will be held in Maine at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, 620 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 250, Plymouth Meeting, PA. 19462.