James “Jamie” Ward Leeper III, Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly in Puerto Rico on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at the age of 50.

He was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County where he was a 1985 graduate of Warsaw High School. Jamie also attended Ivy Tech in Warsaw and in 1987 he began working for Zimmer Inc. of Warsaw. He worked there for the past 29 years and at the time of his passing he was a machinist. Jamie loved college football, hunting, fishing, and most of all he loved his grandchildren. He will be missed by all of the friends he has made throughout his lifetime, and loved forever by the family he leaves behind.

Jamie was born on July 26, 1966 in Warsaw to James Ward Leeper II and Mary Jo (Ottersen) Leeper, who both survive in Warsaw.  He was married Aug. 9, 2013 to Linda (Burchett) Leeper, who survives in Warsaw.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and parents, as well as his son: James Leeper IV, Columbia City; step-son: Zachary Dustin, Warsaw; daughter: Kiira (husband Adam) Churchill, Silver Lake; two step-daughters: Amanda (husband Mark) Polling, Warsaw; and Ashley (husband Patrick) Richardson, Fort Wayne. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Alice, Parker, and Lila; five step-grandchildren: Cash, Wyatt, Jaylyn, Sebastian, and Corbin; and his sister: Jackie (husband David) Thompson, Bellefontaine, Ohio; one nephew D.J. Thompson and a niece Alexandra Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 3–8 p.m. Friday, September 16 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

His funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Hedgel Perry.

Burial will follow with a private family graveside service at Oakhill Cemetery in Plymouth, Indiana.

Memorial donations in Jamie’s name may be directed to Warsaw Young Tiger Football, Attn:  Jason Nolin, 202 Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw, Indiana  46582 and would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com