James F. “Jimmy” Leahy, age 106 of Darlington, passed away Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 at Lafayette Manor in Darlington. Jimmy, the oldest of 10 children, was born January 1, 1910 in Darlington Township in Lafayette County, the son of William and Anna (Swift) Leahy. He was united in marriage to Nilva Henneman on July 18, 1942 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Truman. Jimmy grew up in the Darlington area. Following his marriage, he farmed in the Hazel Green and Darlington areas.
Jimmy is survived by one son: James (Kathy) Leahy, Jr. of Rockton, Ill.; eight daughters: Sharon Leahy of Lafayette, Colo., Karen (David) Yaeger of Madison, Darleen (Roger) Bielefeldt of Rockford, Ill., Marleen (Jimmy Odom) Burns of Aurora, Colo., Phyllis Erickson of Dodgeville, Diane Colbeck of Darlington, Beverly Severson of Monona, and Nancy Leahy of Aurora, Colo.; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; one brother: William (Lois) Leahy of Shullsburg; one sister: Isabelle Doyle of Shullsburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Nilva on October 3, 2007; one grandson: Wesley Jones in 1988; one daughter: Barbara Leahy in 2000; one son-in-law: Kenneth Colbeck; four brothers: Robert, Arthur, Patrick, and Michael Leahy; and three sisters: Kathryn Rielly, Lucille Darrah, and Helene Louis.
Jimmy was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. He loved staying busy, whether it be with his work, being outside, or spending time with his family and friends. His family will always remember him for his ability to build or fix anything, his love for dancing, and the joy and laughter he created when he told stories. His mind was sharp until the end and always looked forward to visiting with his family and friends. Jimmy will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church a branch of Our Lady of Fatima Parish (104 E. Harriet Street, Darlington) with Rev. John Bosco Pudhota officiating. Burial was in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation was held Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Steil-Erickson Funeral Home (206 E. Harriet Street, Darlington) with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jimmy’s name.
The family would like to thank the past and present staff members and employees at Lafayette County Manor for the excellent care and compassion Jimmy has received over the past 9 years.