Obituary of James "Jim" Leathers

Funeral Services for James “Jim” Leathers of Elsberry, MO will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Rev. Steven Bradshaw, pastor of Star Hope Baptist Church will officiate with burial in Reid Cemetery near Elsberry. Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Leathers, Jeromy Shrum, Brandon Shrum, Donnie Kinsler, Mark Chaney and Mike Talbot. Jim, 84, was born on June 5, 1941 in Dudley, MO, the son of Lewis "Bill" and Susie Irene Absher Leathers. He passed away Wednesday night, January 14, 2026 at the Elsberry Health Care Center near Elsberry. Jim was united in marriage on November 19, 1994 in Fenton, MO to Betty Blanche Gladney. Jim worked for Baldor Electric in Kirkwood, MO, retiring in June 2004. Jim had a strong Christian faith. His love for the Lord was evident to all who knew him. Jim loved to read the Bible, play his guitar and sing Christian songs. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis “Bill” and Susie Leathers; one daughter, Cindy Shires; three brothers: Bill Leathers, Joe Leathers, and Ira Conrad “Connie” Leathers and his wife, Ann; and two sisters: Christine Tibbs and her husband, Leo, and Geraldine Warren and her husband, John. Survivors include his beloved wife of 31 years, Betty Leathers of Elsberry; one son, Tim Leathers and his wife, Mary, of Mims, FL; two daughters: Brenda Odle of Bella Vista, AR and Cathy Mitchell of Springfield, MO; one stepdaughter, Sara Longo and her husband, Ralph, of Bradenton, FL; and eleven grandchildren. Jim also leaves one brother, Danny Leathers and his wife, Barb, of Dexter, MO; one sister, Patty Stanford of Dexter, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Services at 12:00 noon on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to Star Hope Baptist Church or to Silex Assembly of God in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343. Online condolences may be made at www.carterricksfuneralhome.com.