James C. Leslie

James C. Leslie died unexpectedly of a heart attack at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, Illinois on December 1, 2016.
Jim was born in DeKalb on August 16, 1934 to John Percy Leslie and Suma E. Kiveasilta.

He is survived by a niece and nephews, Tim, Debbie and Todd, a number of cousins, and his best friend and lifelong companion, Charlene Riefler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother J. Richard (Dick) Leslie, his aunt Bertha Hargrave, and his beloved cat, J.C. (Jim's Cat).

After graduating from DeKalb High School in 1954 Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served three years in the transportation corps (a sailor in the Army) crossing the Arctic Circle on one of his tours, and was honorably discharged. He worked 30 years for deGraffenried Clinical Laboratories, retiring in 1987.

Excluding his service years, Jim lived his entire life in the DeKalb area. He enjoyed a variety of activities, including field archery, tennis, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking, and hiking. Jim experienced many bicycle adventures throughout the country, including across Wisconsin twice, Natchez MS to Nashville TN, Seattle WA – Vancouver - Salem OR, Alaska and many trips to the Everglades. He was a founding member of the DeKalb County Bicycle Club and a life member of the League of American Bicyclists.

Jim donated his body to Medical Science through the Northern Illinois University Biological Sciences Program.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb, IL 60115.

Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.