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Bethany, MO: James Leazenby passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the age of 75.
Jim was born April 12, 1950 in Bethany, Mo., to Hal Forest and Ruth Joyce (Cox) Leazenby and grew up on the farm in Mt. Moriah, Mo. He graduated from South Harrison High School in 1968 and was the first recipient of the W.R. Culp Award.
He attended Northwest Missouri State University before continuing his education at the University of Missouri, where he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Doc went on to own and operate Trailway Vet Service in Bethany for over 40 years.
Doc enjoyed working on the farm, but his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a dad to his two sons and a grandpa to his grandchildren. He was known for his tough exterior, but he would do anything for his family and friends. Jim was always up for going to a ball game and never missed a chance to cheer on his kids or grandkids.
He is survived by his sons, John Leazenby (Ashley) and Cole Leazenby, and his grandchildren: Madelyn, Natalie, Peyton, Alec, Ryker James, Grayson, and Henry Banks. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Leazenby (Cathy) of Iowa City, Iowa and Janet Chapman (Doug) of Tucson, Ariz., along with several beloved nieces and nephews.
There will not be a traditional funeral service. The family will have a graveside celebration of life at a later date at Lloyd Cemetery, Mt. Moriah, Mo. Memorial donations in Jim’s honor may be directed to the South Harrison Booster Club (3400 Bulldog Ave. Bethany, Mo. 64424). Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
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