Dr James "Jim" Leigh

Dr. James A. “Jim” Leigh, 89, Grand Forks, ND died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 26 under the care of Altru Hospice. James Arthur Leigh was born March 21, 1927 in Grand Forks, ND the son of Dr. Ralph and Bernice (Barnard) Leigh. He attended Shattuck Military Academy in Fairbault, MN from 1940 to 1944. Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UND in 1949. then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1950 and his Medical Doctor degree in 1952 from Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC. Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946, and the National Guard from 1954 to 1958. Dr. Leigh practiced medicine in East Grand Forks, MN from 1954 to 1962, then, with his father in Grand Forks from 1962 to 1969. He joined the staff of Valley Medical Associates which is now Altru Family Practice, and was the first Chief of Staff of United Hospital beginning in 1972. During his lifetime, Dr. Leigh served as the Grand Forks City Health Officer, was a member of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and served seven years on the Grand Forks Park Board. He was a charter member of the Sertoma Club and was President of the North Dakota Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Leigh was also a volunteer team physician for the UND hockey team for 35 years. Jim was an accomplished golfer. He was city champion four times, senior champion from 1983 to 1985 and North Dakota Senior State Champion six times. He was inducted into the North Dakota Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1948, he married M. Denise Peabody. She died on November 6, 1991. He married Mary Foss who also preceded him in death. Jim married Marjorie Krum-Gregory on October 10, 1995 in Grand Forks, She survives along with Jim’s sons, Bill (Annetta) Leigh, North Branch, MN, Robert (Janice) Leigh, Parker, CO, Steve (Barb) Leigh, Colorado Springs, CO, Greg (Brenda) Leigh, East Grand Forks, MN and Tim (Lise) Leigh, Colorado Springs, CO; Step children, Lori (Dale) Kiffmeyer, Richmond, MN, Michelle (John) Fuher, Grand Forks, Don Willey, Bismarck, ND and Angie (Tim) Dronen, Steele, ND; 11 grandchildren; 14 step grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Dr. Richard and Dr. Jack. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 30, 2016 in United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks, ND. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #157, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard.