James Paul "Jim" Leavelle

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected passing of James Paul "Jim" Leavelle, age 53, of Willoughby, Ohio on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Wade Park VA Hospital in Cleveland. Jim was born in Troy, Ohio on October 30, 1968, to the late Joel and Mary (Galloway) Leavelle. He is survived by three children: Chelsea Leavelle and her mother Heather (Hamby) Vent, Skylar and Landon Leavelle and their mother Karen Grassie; two sisters: Sheryl Shaffer (Bruce) Cromes and Mary Jo Leavelle; brother: William Robert Shaffer II; and his nephews and niece: Joshua Game, Matt Nyce and Kendra Nyce.

Jim was a 1987 graduate of Troy High School. He received an associate’s degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio for diesel technology, and a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Jim grew up with a small grass air strip in his backyard and inherited a passion for aviation from his mother and father. He began flying a propeller plane as a child, and shortly after graduating from high school joined the United States Air Force where he acted as crew chief for the F4 and F16 jet fighters for 7 years. Jim, however, was not content with just wrenching, and became an A10 pilot. He served a total of 24 years in the USAF and flew over 2,000 hours in an A10. He completed 6 combat tours: 4 in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan. He received multiple flight awards including 5 air medals and was recommended for distinguished Flying Cross. He retired with the rank of Major and the well-deserved handle of "Satan." Even in retirement, Jim continued to fly by joining the air show circuit. First, in a Beechcraft T-6 Texan as a solo act, and then as the lead pilot with the Third Strike Wing walking stunt team.

The only thing Jim loved more than aviation and serving his country was his family and friends, most of all his three children. He was a dedicated and loving father with a heart of gold, and a proud man with an unwavering moral compass. His loyalty and integrity will forever be remembered by those of us he left behind. He was a one of a kind, larger than life man who was loved by so many.

Until we meet again: blue skies and tailwinds.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2022 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy, Ohio with services to follow at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend the memorial service, there will be a “Celebration of Life” held at the WACO Air Museum at 1 p.m. on April 23, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the WACO Air Museum, 1865 South County Road 25A in Troy, Ohio: https://www.wacoairmuseum.org/donations.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.bairdfuneralhome.com