Leas - James O. "Jim"
Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 28-Dec-1988 p 1
James O. "Jim" Leas, 77, of 15 Cadillac Drive died at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in Williamsburg Health Care after a short illness. He was a retired associate editor with the Journal-Review. Mr. Leas spent nearly half of his 40-year newspaper career with the local newspaper, holding important news department positions throughout that time. He came to Crawfordsville in 1956 as night editor. He remained in that capacity for 15 years with responsibility for news content of the morning edition. In 1971, when the morning edition was merged with the afternoon edition, he was named associate editor. In this job he was in charge of the local copy desk and edited Associated Press news stories. He also handled layout of the Opinion Page and frequently laid out the front page. Mr. Leas began covering Wabash College athletics the year he came to Crawfordsville and continued in that capacity until his retirement. His love affair with Wabash was reflected in his column "Watching Wabash," which was always factual, humorous and accentuated the good, win or lose. From 1956-1959 he served as the college's sports publicist and wrote a column devoted exclusively to Wabash sports from 1961 until his retirement. His devotion to his profession was known to all who knew him. At the time of his retirement he said, "I always wanted to be a newspaperman. I never wanted to be anything else ... just work for a newspaper. He began his professional career with the Evansville Courier in 1935 after receiving a master's degree in journalism from Indiana University. The following year he became news and sports editor of the Bicknell Daily News. In 1953 he joined the Dubois County Daily Herald at Jasper as wire and sports editor. Mr. Leas served as a member of the advisory committee for Central State Hospital at Indianapolis 1961-1971 on an appointment from then Gov. Matthew Welsh. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery Co Historical Society, Indiana Historical Society, Byron Cox Post 72 of the American Legion and Bicknell Masonic Lodge 535. While attending IU, he was a member rf SIgma Phi Episilon social fraternity and Sigma Delta Chi professional journalist society. A native of Knox County, he graduated from Petersburg High School in 1929. He was a veteran of WWII, having served with the 76th Division in Europe in 1944-1945. Mr. Leas was a Civil War buff and visited old battle sites. He was also an ardent student of Montgomery County history. At the time of his retirement, the newspaper and Wabash College started the annual Jim Leas Award to denote "excellence in the field of sports journalism." The cash award is accompanied by the inscription of the winner's name on a permanent plaque which is displayed in the college gym. Mrs. Leas was born Oct 26, 1911 to James Blaine and Eleanor Morris Leas. He received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology in 1934 from IU and a master's degree in journalism from IU in 1935. He married Marian Lucile Carmichael on April 30, 1939. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. David H. (Judith Eleanor) Everson of Springfield, Ill; and Linda Jean Leas of New York City; a son James Richard of Indianapolis, a grandson; and three brothers, Rodney M. of Homewood, Ill ; Jack L of Jasper, Ind; and Larry O. of Bloomington. Private family graveside services are planned. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the James Leas Award at Wabash College.