In Memoriam

James D. Leahy, MD

Dr. James D. Leahy, 50, Overland Park, KS, died Friday, October 15, 1999 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, October 18, at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th, Overland Park, KS; burial in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, where a Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. at D. W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS, 66210. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Rockhurst High School or to Medical Missions Foundation c/o the funeral home.

Dr. Leahy was born October 17, 1948, in Park Falls, WI, the son of Dr. James J. and Katherine (Lillestrand) Leahy. He attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE, where he received his B.A. and then received his M. D. from the University of Nebraska. He served his residency in general and plastic surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center and had a private practice in Overland Park, KS, for 15 years. Dr. Leahy was a member of the Church of the Ascension, active coach in the Blue Valley Junior Athletic Association, traveled overseas with the Medical Missions Foundation and was an Eagle Scout. Dr. Leahy also served in the United States Army. He married Marjorie A. (Cartella) Leahy on August 7, 1971, in Kansas City, MO. She survives of the home. Other survivors include three sons, Paul J. Leahy, and fiancé Juli Paugh, Eric J. Leahy, all of Overland Park, KS, and Scott J. Leahy, and his wife Jami (Nelson) Leahy, of Phoenix, AZ; three brothers, Kevin Leahy, of New London, CT, Robert Leahy, of Carrollton, TX, and David Leahy, of Omaha, NE; three sisters, Jody Filipi, Janet Janda, and Marcia Regan, all of Omaha. He is also survived by Dr. Bruce and Mary Ann (Cartella) Cappo, of Overland Park, KS; and many loving relatives and friends. (Arrangements: D. W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel)

The Kansas City Star
October 17, 1999
Section B, page 7

IN MEMORIUM
James David Leahy, M.D. (1948-1999)


On October 15, 1999, the Medical Missions Foundation lost a loyal and valuable member of its surgical team, Dr. Jim Leahy. It was a sudden and shocking loss, for he was such a young, dedicated and talented physician.

In 1996, Dr. Jim Leahy was the only plastic surgeon on the Foundation's inaugural medical mission to the Philippines. Dr. Leahy not only reconstructed birth defects in poverty-stricken children, he performed the best possible operations for the best possible results. Again in 1997 and 1998, the children of Guatemala and Vietnam respectively were the recipients of his care and attention. As we go to Bohol, Philippines on November 4, 1999, we will miss him deeply.

Jim's dedication to his family and his work had far-reaching implications. He brought his son, Paul, now a medical student at KU medical Center, on both Medical Missions Foundation's Missions, instilling in him his own selfless, caring nature. Jim was a fun person to be with and a marvel to work with," Armi Holcomb, R. N. recalls. "Jim stayed past midnight to care for a Filipino girl after surgery, missing an official party given in our honor."

Dr. John Romito, another member of the team remembers Jim, "He was a sincere, giving, caring, and devoted person. He always prepared himself well for his patients' care."

Upon his passing, Jim's wife, Margie, sons Paul, Scott and Eric, and daughter-in-law, Jami, designated the Medical Missions Foundation as a recipient of memorials in lieu of flowers. The donations will be matched by the Foundation to create an endowment fund known as "The James D. Leahy, M. D., Travel Grant Fund." Proceeds from the fund will allow nurses to attend future missions to the impoverished countries that Jim visited and served. Donations are still being accepted for this Fund.


Received from Medical Missions Foundation
912 Burning Tree Drive
Kansas City, MO 64145
6 November 1999




Last edited: 4 FEB 2003/10:49 PM CDT