James Reed Leftwich

James Reed Leftwich, 78, of Culpeper passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 unexpectedly. He was born on May 8, 1935 near Salem, VA. Jim was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church and was a retired electrical engineer from Atlantic Research Corp. He was a graduate from Polytechnic School in Baltimore, MD and Tri State University in Angola, IN where he was a member of Beta Phi Theta fraternity. Jim was a veteran of the Air Force and served during the Korean War. After a successful engineering career, he took up one his of other passions and founded Culpeper Auction Associates in 1989, now known as JLR Auctions. Along with his wife Mary Lou and sons Ron and Bob, they embarked in other business ventures including Pet World, Ace Books and The Bike Stop. Jim’s other passions were fishing, working outdoors, gardening and taking on personal projects. Some of his noted accomplishments while working for P.R. Mallory were the co-inventor of the Duracell battery and development of the electronic automobile ignition system, among other inventions and patents. Jim’s passion for life and work was unequalled and dedication to family and friends unparalleled. He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Mary Lou Leftwich; his sons, Ron Leftwich and his wife, Cecilia and Bob Leftwich and his wife, Rebecca; grandchildren, Bert Leftwich, Sarah and Allen Thomas Peck; brothers, Walt Leftwich and his wife, Carol of Freeland, MD, Tom Leftwich and his wife, Fran of Rosamond, CA and a host of nieces, nephews and aunts. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Kelly; brother, Bob Leftwich and sister, Judy Nuzzo. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 5 to 8 pm at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 27, 2013 at 11 am at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel with Pastor Stan Mulford officiating. Interment will follow in Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lignum, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hopewell United Methodist Church, PO Box 87, Lignum, VA 22726. Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.

James Reed Leftwich

May 8, 1935 - May 22, 2013