James B. Leach III, DVM

James B. Leach III, DVM

Passed away at home in Big Lake, Alaska on May 29, 2019.

James was born on December 14, 1938 in Fulton, Missouri to James and Euba Leach. James attended high school in Fulton, Missouri where he met his future wife, Sarah Ann Leach. He went on to attend the University of Missouri receiving a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). James served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967. He moved to Alaska in 1973 and became owner of the Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital. In 1986, Dr. Leach established the Big Lake Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Leach was an artist, servant of his church and to veterinary medicine. Family states, “In the name of Jesus Christ, for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.”

James is survived by

his wife, Sarah Ann Leach, sons Jim Leach IV of Oregon, and Tab Leach of Missouri, along with 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, June 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Faith Bible Fellowship Church, 14225 Kluane Drive, Big Lake, AK 99652.

Dr. Leach is to be interred at Ebenezer Cemetery in Fulton, Missouri.

Family requests memorial bequests be sent to the Alaska Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, 12235 Birch Road, Houston, AK 99694.

Arrangements were entrusted to Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home