James Alexander Leak, Iii

James (Jim) A Leak III, of Durham died on June 25, 2023 at the Hock Family Pavilion of Duke Hospice after a lengthy illness and valiant fight against cancer. 

Son of the late James A Leak Jr and Sallie Ann Welsh Leak, Jim was born in 1945 in San Bernardino, CA where his father was serving in the US Army. He attended public schools in Wadesboro and graduated from Darlington in Rome, GA. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a proud Tar Heel and lifelong member of The Educational Foundation. After graduation, he served in the US Navy where he was stationed in Edzell, Scotland.

Following military service, Jim began a career in community banking in North Carolina primarily with First Union in Lexington and Southern Pines and Central Carolina Bank in Durham. After many years as manager of the CCB Croasdaile branch, he became manger for the Durham Region of CCB. He took great pride in serving older customers with integrity and in helping to develop the next generation of bankers. In 2007, he was chosen statewide Boss of the Year by the NC Jaycees.

Jim was also a proud member of the Durham Rotary Club and supporter of Rotary International’s work to eradicate polio globally. A Paul Harris fellow, he was a past president of the North Durham Rotary Club and served on district committees for the Rotary Foundation. Other civic involvement included coaching YMCA Soccer for many years and serving on the finance committee of Immaculate Conception.

In retirement, Jim was an active member of Duke Health and Fitness and also enjoyed playing pickle ball and bridge.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandra Crawford Leak, son James A. Leak IV and wife Anne Emerson Leak of Greensboro and son Paul Samuel Leak of Sunnyvale, CA and granddaughters Hannah Elizabeth Leak and Emma Caroline Leak of Greensboro who were the joy of his later life. Also, sister Sallie Leak Allen and husband Ron of Nicholsville KY, sister Mary Leak Wallace and husband Steve of Norwood, sister-in-law Jean Griffen Leak of Monroe, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother John William Welsh Leak.

The family would like to thank all the many dedicated providers and caregivers who cared for Jim particularly Duke Hospice and Palliative Care, the Duke Cancer Center, Duke Liver and Hematology Clinics, and the wonderful staffs of the Duke 2-A Infusion Clinic and Arosa Homecare.

A Memorial Mass will be offered 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 810 W. Chapel Hill Street,  Durham, NC.

On July 26 at 11:00 am a Remembrance of Jim’s Life and Visitation will be held at Leavitt Funeral Home, 2036 Movern Road, Wadesboro where his ashes will be buried in Eastview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Rotary Foundation, the Eastview Cemetery

Fund, or your local food bank.

Arrangements are being handled by Hall-Wynne in Durham and by Leavitt Funeral Home in Wadesboro.