HAMILTON, MO - James Edward Leeper passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri following nearly a lifetime of battling through the effects of early cancer.
James was the youngest of five sons born to George and Carline (Gilbert) Leeper in Cameron, Missouri, on February 9, 1966. He grew up a avid deer and turkey hunter. Throughout those high school years, he played summer baseball and could pretty well be counted on for a good hit. He always had to answer to the much older brothers, and they each will tell you they had a hand in “raising James”. James attended Kingston through eighth grade and then graduated from Hamilton High School in 1984. He purchased his first truck, a 1987 Chevy, and has continued to keep it through his last days.
His first and only job off the farm was for Miller Concrete in Kingston, but he soon returned home and engaged in a career of farming with his brother, David, and Dad. Everyone was pretty sure his blood was green as his love for two-cylinder tractors ran deep. Then suddenly in 1991, James began a lifetime of health challenges stemming from a cancerous brain tumor at age 25. He endured many treatments, beat all odds, and moved forward.
James then married Kay Harbstreit on December 1, 2007, and was later blessed with a son Dalton James in 2011. Together, they made their home on the generational farm. Then, in 2021 built their own home. Oftentimes, he could be heard saying he never found a slice of pie, a homemade cinnamon roll or a piece of cake he didn’t like. He memorably could sing ‘Pretty Woman’ karaoke with the best of them.
James was Dalton’s biggest cheerleader. He could be found in the stands watching a wrestling match and/or at many a football game. He always enjoyed nature and being outdoors. He liked watching the crops grow, and in his later years spent many hours sitting on their deck and watching wildlife. James was not necessarily a religious person but many would say he was indeed spiritual. When asked, he believed in the Lord, believed in being kind to others, and tried to live a life of saying kind words to others and doing the right thing. He found solace in God’s wonders.
His health issues and seemingly endless upending treatments, plagued his life. He fought endlessly through it all. James was preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother. He was a very proud dad, brother, son, and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Dalton; his dad, George, of Kingston; his brothers: Duane, of Hamilton; David (Debbie) of Kingston; Dean (Carlena) of Pattonsburg; and Gene (Sharon) of California, MO; nieces and nephews: Brennan (Lisa) and family; Drayson (Kayla) and family; Skyler and family; Danielle (Bobby); and Derrick (Meghan).
His courage will be remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to either the Kingston Cemetery in Kingston, the Cameron Development Center in Cameron, or the Northwest Missouri Steam and Gas Engine Association in Hamilton. For the service, it is requested that you wear your favorite farming gear or tractor t-shirt and jeans and in keeping with James’ tradition: green and/or yellow colors are always the best!
Celebration of Life Service: 2 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.
Formal Visitation: 1 hour prior to the service, 1 to 2 p.m., on June 27, at Bram Funeral Home.
Interment: Kingston Cemetery, Kingston, MO.
Friends may call at Bram Funeral Home on Friday, June 26, 10 a.m., until 5 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.
