Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Rev. Dr. James Edward Leary

The Rev. Dr. James Edward Leary, 86 died on July 23, 2021. He was born March 8, 1935, in Ashburn, GA, the son of John Henry and Ardelia (Holmes) Leary. The grandson of a slave, he was the 13th of 16 children. Dr. Leary served our country in the United States Air Force from which he was honorably discharged in 1958. Dr. Leary earned his B.A. (cum laude) from Morris Brown College (GA), M. Div. from Andover Newton Theological Seminary (MA) and D. Min from United Theological Seminary (OH). He was baptized in 1944, licensed to the Christian ministry in 1959 and ordained as a Christian minister in 1960. He was a member of the American Baptist Churches USA and served as Pastor for 40 years (1960-2000) to seven churches in Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. He served as the Assistant to the Dean and Adjunct Professor at Virginia Union University School of Theology, Richmond, VA and Instructor at the Milwaukee Theological Institute, Milwaukee, WI. Upon his retirement, Dr. Leary served as Interim Pastor to the following churches in the greater Richmond, Virginia area: The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (twice), Jerusalem Baptist Church (twice) Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, the Historic First African Baptist Church and Mosby Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. Leary was the recipient of more than fifty awards and plaques for his service to churches and communities where he served as Pastor and Interim Pastor. He held numerous positions in religious, civic and community groups. While serving as the President of Richmond Committee of Black Clergy in 1970, Dr. Leary led the group in celebrating the first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday holiday in Richmond, VA. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved thinking and dreaming which he did through numerous innovative church programs at all of his churches. He was a problem solver and a solution finder which led to him helping several churches burn their mortgages. Dr. Leary was a humble man who was proud of being a “country boy from Georgia”. The life lessons he learned along the way helped him be a father figure to many. He was always quick to say that you can’t stay down, and believed in the Grace of God. Dr. Leary was a liberation theologian who believed in the power of the word to bring about social change. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Elaine Fitzpatrick Leary, his three daughters Tamar Leary Briley, Tracy Patricia Leary, Teresa Leary Handy (Carl), and four grandchildren: Jonathan Edward Briley, Olivia Renee Briley, James Robert Peter Jenkins III and Phoebe Louise Elaine Jenkins, one sister Edna Ruth Leary (NJ) and a host of nieces and nephews. A private ceremony to be held at Scotts Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Morris Brown College, 643 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30314.

Guest Book

Mrs. Leary, Tamar, Tracy and Teresa, my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Rev. Leary was my pastor at St. Paul's Baptist Church when it was on Marshall Street. Rev Leary was a strong and positive leader. He will be missed. Peace and blessings to you. Rev. Dr. Cheryl Coleman Hall (Cheryl Gray then)

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My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Leary, Tamar, Tracy, and Teresa on the loss of your husband and father. Keeping your family in my prayers. Joy Purcell (Johnson).

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We will all miss Rev Leary. The world has lost one of the last TRUE men of GOD. My love and sympathy go to the family. Be at peace knowing he was loved and respected by many people. Barbara Taylor Sizer

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Praying for the entire family of Rev. Leary. Peace beyond all understanding. He was a great and caring person during the illness of my infant daughter and mentoring to my adult son during his service to St. Paul's Baptist Church. Love to you all, Jacqueline Wyche Branch(mother of Michael and Tiffany Bell)

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To God be all glory for the gift of His humble servant, Dr. Leary! Leary Family, continue being intentional in carrying on Dr. Leary's legacy!

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My sincerest condolences to the Leary family. Dr.Leary was a dynamic leader in the ministry. Rev.Frederick Winston

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To Mrs. Leary, Tamar, Tracey and Theresa...We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Leary's passing! He and your entire family have always had a special place in our hearts. Please know that we are here for you. May God comfort and give you peace! Love, the Morgan and Jones Family🙏🏾

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Rest in peace, Uncle Leary. Love always, Nat Jr.

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Rev. Leary was a man of God who was called by God. He was a role model and a mentor. I believe that he was the kind of angel that God places on Earth to show us what God expects of us and how we should respond. He was a kind and gentle person who was easy to talk to, and he was always ready to listen. He tried to help whenever he could. He will be missed by many, but he is at peace now. Our prayer is that the Lord will give his wife Shirley and his children that "peace that surpasses all understanding." Philippians 4:7 May God Rest his Soul, Rev. Delores O. Booker and Family

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Our prayers and condolences go out to the Leeary family. May your precious memories and faith sustain you during this difficult period. Peace, Gladys W. Jordan

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To Aunt Shirley, Cousins-Tamar, Tracy & Theresa I send you my deepest sincere condolences. I saw him last when I was in Richmond on a business trip & had dinner with him & Aunt Shirley & it was a nice time visiting with them both. I remember afterwords Uncle Leary bought me a bag of Jelly Belly's candy & we shared a laugh that I liked that candy. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace & God Bless. Love Always. Inga

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You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts. May you rest in peace. With love, Rosalind (sister-in-law)

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Rest in piece unc.

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Wishing you peace today and in the days ahead. Love you always, Natasha

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Mrs. Leary, Tamar, Tracy and Teresa, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Tamar, if there's anything I can do please don't hesitate to let me know. Praying for God's strength and peace for each of you. Rev. Natalie Richardson

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Mrs Shirley and familyE, My heart was deeply sadden to hear the passing of Dr. Leary. His work at Jerusalem reminds me of a great man of God in service for the Lord. May you cherish all the wonderful memories you and your family shared with him. Jeroline Harris

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Our heartfelt sympathy and prayer go up for you The Leary Family during this difficult time. "Whatever life brings you, even if it hurts, just be strong, hold your heads up and smile. "Strong walls may shake but they never collapse." ~ Gee Law Firm, P. C.

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May God's love and comfort keep you as you celebrate a life well done. Rev Leary was truly a man of God. Keeping you and your family in my prayers. Roxine Bolling and family

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Sending our sincere condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. James E. Leary and family. I have very fond memories of him during his years at Calvary Baptist Church in Milwaukee. He was a dynamic leader in the community and impacted the lives of many. May God grant you strength at this time and may you always hold your special memories of him close to your heart now and forever. Love, Vincent and Suzanne Williams and Yvonne Huntley

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Our sincerest condolences to the Leary family. We know that that this is difficult because your dad and husband was such a powerful presence in your lives. We fondly remember his strong leadership and profound sermons when he was at St. Paul's Baptist Church. May God comfort you all and give you peace. Mrs. Joyce Robinson & Family Mrs. Candace Robinson Brown & Family

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My condolences to the family ,he Baptized me in October 82 when your heard him preach it was prophetic and im Thankful to have had him in my life.Rest easy job well done .

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My sincerest condolences to the entire Leary family. Dr. Leary touched my life tremendously. Dr. Leary baptized me at age 10 at The original St.Pauls Baptist church in churchill on 26th and Marshall streets back in 1974. Mrs Leary also had a huge impact on my life, she was my first Sunday School in 1974. I pray that the Angel's in heaven wraps their arms around the Leary family tightly. God bless each of you.

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Sending My Condolences To The Family

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My dearest friend Tamar, my sincere condolences to you and your entire family. May God lift you all with comfort and strength. Rest in paradise Dr Leary Kim

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Our condolences and prayers to Mrs. Leary, Tamar, Tracy, Teresa and family. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Pamela Harris and Family

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My condolences go to the Leary family. Dr. Leary was a great pastor. Dawn Mickie

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We share in your loss keeping your family in our prayers with deepest sympathy. May GOD bless and give you peace and comfort. Hazel edwards and family

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Pastor Leary made a deep impact on my family and church family's life. He spoke so profoundly and plainly enough he touched the heart of my then 6 year old daughter to give her life to Christ. That's why I know God is still working in her. He help our church clear our mortgage. Pastor was a Pathfinder, truth teller. He and Mrs. Leary so supportive of our choir and me when Is sang. Tamar and wonder beacon of light, previous St. Paulite who encourage me without know it, fight a big demon. With love my family is praying for healing for you all at this time.

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When we say goodbye to loved ones, whose time on earth is done, we have faith their joys in heaven will have only just begun. We can celebrate their lives, their love, the blessings of their days, the happiness they gave to us in countless special ways. Ella N, Grimes

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We share in your loss,keeping your family in our prayers with deepest sympathy. May GOD bless and give you peace and comfort. Reginald and hazel edwards

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When we say goodbye to loved ones whose time on earth is done, we have faith their joys in heaven will have only just begun. We can celebrate their lives, their love, the blessings of their days, the happiness that they gave to us in countless special ways. Ella N. Grimes

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My sincerest condolences to you Mrs. Leary and to Tamar, Theresa and Tracy. I need not say what all of you and Pastor Leary mean to me. May God grace you with comfort and peace in days, months and years to come. Rev. Dr. Trinette V McCray, Milwaukee WI

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Rev. Leary was such a beautiful Servant of God. He leaves behind a powerful legacy of service to God's people. May God bless his family and hold them close to His bosom as they heal during this time! Praise God for the opportunity to learn from this Qman of God!

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Sincere condolences to the Leary family from the children of Emery and Willie Mae Patterson, Calvary Baptist Church Milwaukee, WI

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Dear Teresa and family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. What a beautiful life he shared. Praying for strength for you now and always. Love, the Mirza family

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My sincere condolences is extended the Leary family. Rev. Dr. Leary was indeed a humble and wise man. He was my catechizer from whom I gained exceptional knowledge. Rev. Dr. Barbara Morton

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To the family of Dr. Leary, You have my condolence and sympathy for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Dr. Leary was a dynamic leader in the ministry and community; may he rest in peace.

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Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers go to Shirley, Tamar, Tracy, Teresa & Family Love Dewvaul, Sandra & Vonda.

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Sending condolences to the Leary family from San Diego, CA. I remember Dr. Leary, I met him one year when he visited San Diego. A calm, spirted man who loves the Lord. May he rest peacefully with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God is watching. Beverly Monroe

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Praying for the Leary family during this time of sadness.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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