James Leitschuh

Jim ‘Chief’ Leitschuh

WWII Veteran and Retired Fire Chief

James Leo Leitschuh, 87, of Litchfield passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Visitation will be Friday, May 16, 2014 from 4-7 pm at Litchfield Family Funeral Services and service will be held on Saturday May 17, 2014 beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield.

Mr. Leitschuh was born in Litchfield on October 11, 1926, the son of the late Otto J Leitschuh and Lillian (Britton) Leitschuh. He was one of 11 siblings. He married the late, Marilene A Leitschuh on May 12, 1962. They were married 51 years. Their ceremony took place at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Litchfield with Rev. Karl Heuchert presiding.

He graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1944. He enjoyed running and was a valuable assist to the LHS track team.

He was drafted in February 1945 and served in the Pacific Theater occupying Japan in WWII as clerk typist. His rank was Private through Tech 4 in the 11th Airborne Division.  He also served in the Illinois National Guard from April 1949 through September 1959 rising to the rank of Master Sergeant (Field First Sergeant) in the 130th Infantry.

He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3912 and a member of American Legion Post 436, both in Litchfield. Within both organizations, he held many offices and volunteered on various committees.

In the 1940’s, he used the GI Bill to learn to fly. With his new interest, he flew Stearmans and Piper Cubs, always testing the limits.

Upon his return he was employed with Litchfield Creamery and American Radiator Company. Then later, Litchfield Fire Department was where he found his true passion, purpose and career in the fire service. He dutifully served the citizens of Litchfield for 40 years, 35 as their Chief.

During his career the Fire Department occupied different locations. First what is now City Hall, second what is now partly the police station and finally the current main station. Jim was instrumental in shifting the department from a volunteer-based unit to full-time paid employee unit.  He advocated the need for a pension for his men and pushed for an ambulance service for the citizens of Litchfield. He led the way for the famous Fireman’s Fish Stand offered every year with the carnival. Chief Leitschuh also saw the need for the Fireman’s Club house, which became a place for the firefighters and their families to enjoy Lake Lou Yaeger. His work ethic, tradition and honor inspired 2 of his children to follow in his footsteps with a career in Fire Service.

Jim enjoyed the lake and spent much time there. While driving his boat, he taught every child wearing a life jacket how to water ski. He also constructed an ice boat and sailed it up and down the lake in the dead of winter. His hobbies included his passion for gardening. He grew everything imaginable in large quantities and was known for his tomatoes which he talked the grandkids into selling at their vegetable stand. Jim was also a highly skilled carpenter which proved very useful in the many rental houses he owned and maintained for years. The Chief enjoyed travel and spent over 20 years driving his family from coast to coast in his RV for vacation adventure destinations.

Mr. Leitschuh is survived by two sons, James Leitschuh of Tucson, AZ, and Alan Leitschuh of Port Charlotte, FL; three daughters, Melody Sauber of Tucson, AZ, Meg (Jim) Wertin, of Litchfield, and Valerie Leitschuh of North Fort Myers, FL; 17 grandchildren, Melody Larson of Portland, Oregon, James and Luke Leitschuh of Tucson, Destiny Leitschuh of Temple, Texas, Ben Peters and Sam Sauber of Tucson, Brandon Leitschuh of Tinley Park, Ryder, Tatum, Logan and Mcall Wertin, all of Litchfield, James and Laney Trammell of North Fort Myers, FL, Katie and Jeff Bentlage of St. Loius, MO, Alex and Jake Rull of Litchfield; and 5 great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Kyrea and Tyler Larson of Portland, OR, and Aaron and Glenn Leitschuh of Temple, TX.

Mr. Leitschuh also raised 2 step-children, Mark (Kelly) Bentlage of St. Louis and Laura (Jeff) Rull of Litchfield.

Memorials may be made to the Jim “Chief” Leitschuh Memorial Scholarship.

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