SALEM - John James. “Jim” Leyendecker, 86, of Salem, husband of Alberta (Pratt) Hall Leyendecker, died Sunday evening at the Salem Hospital following a long illness.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Jacob and Averita (Rhodes) Leyendecker. He was a graduate of Beverly High School and was a resident of Salem for most of his life.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII, he attained the rank of PFC.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Jordan Marsh Company, starting when the Peabody store opened. He worked in clothing sales and alterations both in the Peabody and Boston stores. After retirement Jim spent his time at flea markets and shows where he sold glassware and assorted items. He was a long standing vendor at Todd Farm and he shared this new occupation with both Mary and Alberta.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared over 17 years of marriage, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, John and Paula Milligan of Amesbury, three daughters, Carol Watts of Danvers, Joan Begonis Wolkin and her husband Ed Wolkin of Hamilton, Bonnie and her husband Joseph Medina of Peabody, one brother Ronald Leyendecker of Fernandina Beach, FL, one sister, Genevieve and her husband Carl Welblad of New Hampshire, 22 grandchildren, including D. Scott Wilson of Fort Mill, SC, who was raised by Jim and his wife, 27 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Symonds) Milligan Leyendecker, two sons, Roy E. “Ted” Milligan and Glen Hall, one daughter Rhonda Hall and one brother, Richard Leyendecker.
His funeral service will be held Friday, March 29, 2013 at 10 am in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Thursday, 4 to 8 pm. Burial is in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Relatives and friends invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. For on-line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.