James "Skeeter" Leake, 81, of Lebanon, KY, left this world for eternal peace with God, at his home, Tuesday July 14, 2009. During his months of decline, his wife, children and friends were a constant source of strength and love.

Skeeter served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 till 1948. He was a well-known businessman and had the honor of being a Kentucky Colonel. He was an avid golfer who welcomed the challenge of competition.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward & Mary Aline Mattingly Leake and one sister, Theresa Marie Leake

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois and six children - Jimmy (Nancy), Stephen, Bryan (Valerie), Mark, Laura (Steve) Jones, Lynne (David) Dunn, Eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter; Two Sisters - Libby Palmer & Pat Roth; One Brother - Jerry Leake; One Half-Sister - Jeanette Brown.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Monday, July 20, 2009 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Lebanon, KY with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Visiting 2-7 PM Sunday at Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto, KY with a vigil at 7 PM.

Pallbearers are his four sons and two sons-in-law. Honorary Pallbearerers are Jimmy Bradshaw, Louis Carrico, Tody Carrico, Dennis George, Sid Gordon, Rob Spragens, Larry Mattingly, Jim Ballard, Bill Palmer, Paul Fenwick, Hill Beaven, Jim Alexander & Maurice Spalding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Augustine School, St. Catharine College Building Fund or Hospice of Central Kentucky.