SEIMEARS, James Leon - b. May 30, 1948 - d. May 23, 2013

[Marcia Moore]

James Leon Seimears, age 64, of Emporia, Kansas, died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at his home.  Leon was born on May 30, 1948 in Eureka, Kansas, the son of George Walter Wesley and Alpha Mae (Van Zandt) Seimears.

Leon was a graduate of Severy High School in Severy, Kansas, Class of 1966.  On May 30, 1966, he joined the U.S. Marines and served until May 30, 1970.  He was a member of and served as a Deacon at the Severy Baptist Church.  He was also a song leader for 30 years.  He served on the West Elk School Board U.S.D. 282.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW in Eureka, Kansas and a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

On December 28, 1968 in Severy, Kansas, Leon married Patricia Louise Harper.  Leon and Tricia were married for 44 years.  She survives at their home.  Leon worked as a carpenter.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and going fishing with his friends, raising a big garden, and being active with the Youth for Christ group in Severy.  Leon enjoyed cutting firewood with his family as this was their time to be together.

Survivors including his wife, Tricia, are two sons, James Seimears Jr. and wife, Tammy of Madison, Kansas and Jonathan R. Seimears and wife, Amy of Emporia, Kansas; two daughters, Julie Highley and husband, Paul of Plano, Texas and June Ary and husband, Brett of Emporia, Kansas; three brothers, Allen Seimears of Piedmont, Kansas, Charles Seimears of Emporia, Kansas, and Steve Seimears of Independence, Kansas; five sisters, Maisie Rodenbaugh of Blue Springs, Missouri, Frances Barrier of El Dorado, Kansas, Trudy Jessogne of Ponca City, Oklahoma, June Lakin of Kaw City, Oklahoma, and Cora Sue Thornton of Ponca City, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.  Leon was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Peggy Seimears and Elouise Huffman; two brothers, Walt Seimears and George Seimears; and a grandson, Seth Seimears.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the Severy Baptist Church with burial to follow at Cresco Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday, May 28, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials have been suggested to the ALS Association and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)