James (Jim) Russell Leggett was born July 17, 1932, at the home of his parents just outside Shelton, Washington. He ended his life’s journey on Dec. 29, 2018, at Highline Medical Center, Burien, Washington. He was married to Marjorie (Roe) Leggett on Dec. 5, 1953, in Centralia, Washington. She resides at their home in Montesano.

He served in the Korean War for three years and then resumed his education at the University of Washington. After graduating, he taught math at Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen for 30 years. After retiring, Jim and his wife enjoyed traveling to many countries. One of the trips they enjoyed most was traveling by rail through Europe carrying backpacks.

Jim and Marge enjoyed square dancing for 38 years with the Wishkah Swingsters and the Harbor Haylofters.

Jim was a member of the Montesano Presbyterian Church and was very active in the Washington State School Retirees Association and Gideons International.

He is survived by two sons, Steve Leggett and Tim Leggett of Aberdeen, son-in-law Scott Schumacher of Olympia, brothers David Kelley of Brentwood, California, and Bill Bernert of Scottsdale, Arizona, and brother-in-law Dave Smith, Matlock. His grandchildren are Stephanie Bailey (Nick), Nick Leggett (Tiffany), Zachary Leggett (Kayleigh), Dylan Schumacher (Megan), and Mallory Schultz (Drew). He leaves two great-grandchildren: Max Bailey and Lorelei Leggett.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Susan Schumacher, father Earl Leggett and mother Evelyn Kelley, and sister Betty Smith.

A celebration of life will be honoring Jim on Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. at the Montesano Presbyterian Church, 201 E. McBryde Ave.

Suggested memorials, for those who are interested, are donations for Gideon Bibles: Harbor Gideons, PO Box 351, Aberdeen, WA, 98520, or any charity of choice.

A message of condolence of or a memory can be sent to the family at to www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.