Dr. Thomas James Leach, Jr.

Dr. Thomas James Leach, Jr. passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Scotia Village, his residence for the last four years.  He was born in Wilmington, DE, the son of Thomas James Leach, Sr and Eileen Hamill Leach. After completing high school in Wilmington, Tom went on to graduate from Annapolis Naval Academy where he was one of the top three in his class. He took his commission in the Air Force and served first in Washington, DC and then went on to serve 4 years at Whiteman Air Force Strategic Air Command based in Knob Noster, Missouri as part of the Minute Man Missile Program.

Tom’s love of literature inspired him to venture into the world of university teaching. Upon completion of his service in the Air Force, he took his family to Chapel Hill, NC where he earned his Masters and Doctorate in English Literature. Their next move was to Laurinburg, NC where Dr. Leach served on the faculty at UNC-P from 1975-2007 and was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2003 until his retirement in 2007.  He loved his work and was instrumental in establishing many programs that have led to UNC-P’s advancements in the academic world. 

Swimming, hiking, backpacking, traveling the world and engaging with all kinds of people provided Tom with the first hand view of the worlds he loved to read about during his entire lifetime. His passion for backpacking took him to many places including the Appalachian Trail, Switzerland, Wales, Iceland. India, Japan, Africa, and most of Europe.  He made sure to visit Ireland to trace his family heritage as his great grandparents and grandfather were the first to move to US from Ireland.  He was definitely loved and respected as an avid storyteller. Family and friends often asked for “more stories.” 

Scotia Village community life provided new opportunities for Tom to participate in many of the weekly activities including the Writing Workshop, Poetry Workshop and as part of the Trivia Bowl Team. He also led a program, “The Word” for residents in Assisted Living. For most of his time at Scotia, Tom enjoyed swimming daily and using the workout room.  People always knew him, enjoyed visiting him and appreciated his presence as a skilled teacher. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard George Leach, his first wife, Louise Stewart Leach, and his second wife, Sharon Sharp.

Tom Leach is survived by 2 daughters: Karen Elizabeth Leach (Wagram, NC) and Heather Leach Lankford (Harrisonburg, VA) along with her husband Andrew Lankford and 2 grandchildren, Emma Catherine Lankford and Andrew James Lankford. He is also survived by his two sisters: Barbara Ann Lutes (and family) of Michigan and Susan Leach Hepola (and family) of Texas. Summer family reunions were important to Tom as he kept in touch with his sisters and their children throughout the year.

Most of all the wellbeing and happiness of his daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren remained extremely important to Tom who always appreciated the ways they enrich the lives of so many in their own life journeys.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Scotia Village in the MMEC (Morris Morgan Room) on March 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm.  Everyone is invited to attend.  The family looks forward to meeting more of his Scotia friends and anticipates some wonderful family, friends and colleagues who plan to travel to be with us as well.  Each person will have a chance to share a favorite memory.  There will also be a table with many pictures (please bring any you may have to share) and we will have a slide show of favorite pictures.  Reception to follow.

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