James Raymond Leek

James Raymond (Jimmy) Leek was born in Caruthersville, Missouri, on November 7, 1941.  He was the son of James Monroe Leek and Audra Belle Milligan Leek.

He departed this life on September 18, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee.  He was 83 years old.

On November 23, 1962, at Kinfolks Ridge Baptist Church, Jimmy was united in marriage to Mary Betty Lafferty, the love of his life.  They celebrated 58 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 2021.

Jimmy was a man with a huge personality and a huge heart. He never met a stranger.  Jimmy and Betty were a huge part of the horse show family.  They loved everything about horses, from riding, to trading, to training, and to telling horse stories.  They shared their love of horses with their daughter and granddaughters.

Jimmy and Betty owned L and W Western Store in Caruthersville for many years and then when they moved to Wynne, Arkansas, to be with their daughter and family, they were involved in the Feed Store there.

He was a very faithful member of 3 Trees Cowboy Church in Wynne, Arkansas.  You would always find him attending early service.

Survived by – his daughter and son-in-law – Kim and Terris Matthews

1 sister and brother-in-law – Shirley and Jackie Powell

1 sister-in-law – Mitzi Leek

2 granddaughters – Jaylie and her husband J.D. Lourens, and Taycie Matthews

A “special son” – Dusty Pike

A “special niece”- Courtney Lafferty

Other relatives including nieces and nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents – James and Audra Belle Leek, his wife – Betty Leek, and his brother – Ricky Leek

A memorial service will be held, Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. at 3 Trees Cowboy Church in Wynne, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be Monday at 11:30 in the H.S. Smith Chapel in Caruthersville, Missouri, with Brother Tracy Wilson officiating.  Interment will follow in Little Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to 3 Trees Cowboy Church Arenas fund.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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