James Edward Leston, 96, of Lombard, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 at Northwest Health - La Porte.

 

James was born on May 16th, 1927 in Elmhurst, IL, to Stephen Nicholas and Anna Elizabeth (Hanseder) Leston.

 

On June 19th, 1948 in St. Alexander Church, Villa Park, IL, he married June Mildred Hofmann, who preceded him in death on October 18th, 2014.  Surviving James are his children, Debra Behling of CO, James (Patty) Leston of WI, Thomas (Catherine) Leston of CO, Sandra Boulahanis of La Porte, and Stephen (Heather) Leston of TX; 12 grandchildren, Stephanie (Tim) Barnette, Robert Behling, Melissa (Denny) Hancock, Cassandra (Andrew) Vanderhoff, Joshua Leston, Edward P. James, Peter T. Boulahanis, Timothy (Rachel) Boulahanis, Anna (Connor) Shubin, Amber (Harry) Buehrle, Alyssa Leston, and Andrew Leston; as well as many great-grandchildren, loving family, and dear friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Behling; son-in-law, Peter G. Boulahanis; and siblings, Robert Leston, Richard Leston, and Gertrude Leston.

 

James proudly served in both the United States Navy, where he was a Seabee, and the United States Army, where he was a Paratrooper.  He served during both WWII and the Korean War.  James earned numerous medals and honors including, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal AR 600-65, and National Defense Service Medal.

 

He was a member of the Lombard Church of the Nazarene for over 25 years.  James served the Lord and the church through his service as a teacher, usher, board member, and caretaker of the church property. 

 

A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held.  Following the service, James will be laid to rest at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Wheaton, IL.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Stephen Leston, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN  46350, or to the donor's choice.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.