Obituary of James Leavelle

James Richard Leavelle Mr. Leavelle, 66, beloved husband of Carol Gange Leavelle, father to Caroline Simmons Leavelle and James Cannon Leavelle, uncle to Michael Scott Dollfus, and brother-in-law to Mary Gange Dollfus, died at home October 16th, 2010, after battling Alzheimer?s Disease. Jim was born January 21, 1944, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Robert Hayne Leavelle, Sr. and the late Espa Player Leavelle, and was the younger brother of the late Robert Hayne Leavelle, Jr. Jim was a graduate of Myers Park High School, Class of 1962, and Wofford College, Class of 1966, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He received his MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1971 after serving in the United States Air Force for more than three years. Jim was a dedicated Charlotte commercial banker whose career began in 1971 at North Carolina National Bank (currently Bank of America) where he remained until September of 2000. Hugh McColl, former Bank of America CEO, introduced Jim as ?the banker with a heart? when he presented him with one of McColl?s coveted crystal hand grenades. Jim worked for First Union/Wachovia Bank and then First Charter Bank until his retirement March 30, 2007. Jim had a loving heart, great generosity of spirit, and a strong, compassionate character. He was a natural leader who inspired others with encouragement and respectful honesty. He considered it an inherent responsibility to advocate for those without a voice. Deeply committed to his community, Jim served as Youth Group Leader and on the Vestry of St. Martin?s Episcopal Church. as well as on numerous boards including Goodwill, the Urban League, the UNC Charlotte Athletic Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and the Charlotte Merchants Association. Jim taught his children that happiness comes from intrinsic rewards and from the quality of one?s relationships. He deeply appreciated how much his life was enriched by his family, friends, coworkers, clients, and community. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, October 21, 2010, at St. Martin?s Episcopal Church, Charlotte NC, with committal in the Davis-Elliot Memorial Garden following the service. Memorials may be made to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, 2122 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28208; Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC, 20204; Shining Stars Adult Day Respite, 1844 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; or Teen Health Connection, 3541 Randolph Road, Suite 206, Charlotte, NC, 28211.