Ms. Leatease James

Mrs. Leatease James, age 68, passed away on June 10, 2026 in Gainesville, FL. Mrs. Leatease Ellis James was born on November 28, 1957, to parents Bertha Lee Green and Ernest Ellis Sr. She attended Alachua County Public Schools and graduated from Gainesville High School, in 1976. Leatease James Married John James on July 5th, 2019, and has 3 children and 2 bonus children. Leatease was a very nurturing, loving, caring mother and wife. She extended her loving heart and generosity to all her family and friends and took pride in "showing up" for her loved ones. Leatease was a strong, driven woman who gave her all in everything she dedicated herself to. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, game room entertainment and was a member of the Classy Ladies on a Mission. Leatease loved music and had a passion for dancing. More than anything else, she loved her family and enjoyed spending time making beautiful memories with them. Leatease loved the lord and was a member of Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Leatease touched many lives with her caring heart and loving spirit, she will truly be missed and her memory will forever be cherished by many. Leatease was survived by her husband John R. James; Her Children, Johnnie L. Ellis (Shantel), Jameka N. Jones (Jeffrey), Angel L. Brown (Acie); Bonus Children, John James Jr., and the late Jennifer Campbell; Sisters, Vannessa R. Brown, Gainesville FL, Earlie R. Green, Rochester NY, Elizabeth Thomas, Rochester NY, and Caroline Ellis, Gainesville FL; One Brother, Robert Ellis (Betty); and God-Sister, Valerie Allen; Grandchildren, ShaeBriana Green, Johnnie Ellis Jr., O'Brien Allen, Chauncey Presley Jr. Derrick Abner Jr., Aniyah Jones, Acie Brown IV, Jashaun Ellis, De'Lasia Harden, Jamarion Jones, Jamarcus Jones, Jeffrey Jones Jr., Sir'Jaceion Ellis, and Arielle Brown; Nephews, Kenneth Smith, Eugene Hall, Melvin Brown, Vegas Brown, and Mario Warren; Nieces, Taliyah Gutierrez, Brandy Brown, and Lakenya Sheppard; She had 5 great-grands and 11 great-nieces and nephews. Public Visitation and Viewing for Mrs. James will be Friday, June 26, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Chestnut Memorial Chapel, 18 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1334 NE 4th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641, Rev. Samuel R. Seales, Jr., Pastor. Resolutions may be emailed to wecare@chestnutfh.com before 5:00 PM on June 26, 2026. Floral Arrangements can be ordered on this website below or delivered to Chestnut Funeral Home, 18 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. "A CHESTNUT SERVICE"

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Ms. Leatease James

November 28, 1957 - June 10, 2026