James "Jim" Leithauser

LEITHAUSER, James R. (Jim), age 95 of Linden, Michigan passed away April 25, 2021. Jim, the son of Carl F. Leithauser and Freda (Krutsch) Leithauser. Jim was born July 7, 1925 at his parents’ home in Detroit. He attended St. Clare of Montefalco Grade School and Southeastern Public High School. He was active in student activities, including the Chess Club, Naval Air Corp, and writing as sports editor for the school yearbook. He graduated in June 1943. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves in April 1943 before graduation and was inducted into the Navy in September 1943. While in the Navy, he studied at Western Michigan College (now University) for eighteen months through the V-12 Officer Training Program. He was promoted to the rank of Ensign and was honorably discharged on his 21st birthday, July 7, 1946. After his discharge, Jim started working for a mortgage company in Detroit and eventually rose through the officer ranks of City National Bank/First of America to become Vice President of the Mortgage Division. On September 12, 1953, Jim married the love of his life, Jean (Drolshagen) Leithauser at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.

Jim’s father, Carl, joined Canada Creek Ranch in northern Michigan (Atlanta, Michigan) during WWII and passed his love of the Ranch to his son, who joined him often to enjoy the beauty of the Ranch, especially fishing together in the trout stream. Jim shared his love of the Ranch with his bride and his own growing family, teaching his children to love the outdoors—fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and cross-country skiing together. Jim and Jean had a deep love of nature and the environment. They visited every National Park in the United States as well as a number in Canada and Mexico. They had a great appreciation for the arts, enjoying the symphony, ballet, and Detroit Institute of Arts. A life-long Catholic, Jim’s faith was integral to his life. He studied Latin as a young altar boy and journeyed to Rome with his favorite aunt, Marie Theresia Leithauser Lenehan, to celebrate the 1950 Holy Year in Rome.

Jim is survived by his five daughters, Anne (William) Midgley, Marie Leithauser, Elizabeth (Charles) Cetlinski, Adele (Robert) Temerowski, and Jeanne (Scott) Perian; eight grandchildren, James (Lauren) Midgley, Kathryn (Kyle) Mitchell, Jack Cetlinski, Sara (Trevor) Costello, Clare Temerowski, Timothy Perian, Grace Perian, and David Perian; two great-grandchildren, William Midgley and Bennett Midgley; and his sister, Rita Law. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years; his parents; sisters, Alice Krause, Virginia Carzoli, and Nancy Funke; and his brother, Robert Leithauser.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, April 29, 2021 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Fenton, Michigan with celebrant Fr. Gregg Pleiness. A private visitation will be held prior to the service. The family is asking that any contributions are to be made to Compassus Hospice.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.