Johnsey Lee Leef, Jr.
October 30, 1943 - June 14, 2020
Charleston, WV
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Johnsey Lee Leef, Jr.
October 30, 1943 - June 14, 2020
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Dr. Johnsey Lee Leef, Jr. was from Richwood, West Virginia and lived in Charleston, West Virginia.
Johnsey “Jay or J.L.” Leef died peacefully Sunday June 14th, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Jay was the only son of the late Dr. Johnsey Lee Leef and Rose Marie Leef. He grew up in Richwood, West Virginia, an idyllic and close-knit community that helped shape Jay into the man he became.
Jay lived in Charleston, West Virginia where he was a radiologist for 44 years from 1974-2014. Jay loved his career as a radiologist and was a well respected mentor to many. He was at the forefront of radiological imaging and introduced many technological advances to the Charleston area.
Jay was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Richwood High School in 1961. He graduated from Marshall University in 1964 with a major in Biology/Pre-Med. He graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha Honors in 1968. Jay interned at Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital in Pennsylvania in 1969. He proudly served in the United States Army as Captain and medical doctor from 1969-1971. He completed a residency in radiology at the University of Virginia in 1974. Jay worked as a radiologist at Charleston Area Medical Center where he was Chief of Staff in 1987 and served on the Board of Trustees from 1987-1991. In 1989, Jay became a Fellow of the American College of Radiology. Jay also served as a member of the West Virginia State Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board from 1991-2017.
Jay was known for his humble and generous spirit as well as his sharp wit and sense of humor. He relished his roles as radiologist, husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid bird hunter, boater and collector of antique furniture and guns. He enjoyed many fun and adventurous travels with his wife, family and friends.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Alfreda Marie Leef; his children Alison Leef Corbin (Ryan) and Johnsey Lee Leef, III (Margaret); and his grandchildren Asher Lee Casto, Ryan Trent Corbin, Jr., Ethan McLeod Leef, Henry Lee Leef, John Edward Leef and Lucy Rosamond Leef.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to WVU School of Medicine care of WVU Foundation, Marshall University Foundation or Oleta Higginbotham Radiologic Technologist Scholarship Fund at the University of Charleston. Due to current health concerns, a private celebration of Jay’s life will be held with family.
Condolences can be sent to the family via www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
22 responses to Johnsey Lee Leef, Jr.
Constantino Y. Amores says:
June 18, 2020
The Amores family is with the Freda and family in their grief with the loss of Jay, my dear friend and colleague. Jay has made his mark in our lives the and community. God would look kindly on him and may he Rest In Peace. Tino
John and Diane Merrifield says:
June 18, 2020
Alfreda and Family,
We are shocked, and so very sorry to have read of Johnsey’s passing. You were such a wonderfully sweet couple, and we were always happy to see you. Johnsey and John were in the same medical school class. Our hearts ache with your pain. Johnsey was revered as a physician and a human being. Our condolences and prayers to all your family.
Teresa Hardesty-McSweeney says:
June 18, 2020
I had the privilege of working for Dr. Leef for many years. He was always the consummate professional and was always kind and respectful when he came into the office. I spent a great deal of my career at ARI and am privileged to have been able to meet and get to know both Jay and Johnsey. My father is a current ARI employee and also extends his sadness at Jay’s passing. You’re all in our prayers… Teresa Hardesty-McSweeney and family and John Hardesty
Cindy Kaib says:
June 18, 2020
To Allison So so sorry for the passing of your father. I lost my dad nearly 4 years ago and it still feels like yesterday. I miss him terribly. Prayers for you and your family. May God be with you during this sad time.
Michael Harmon says:
June 17, 2020
Oh my- I was so shocked to read about Jay- he was such a great guy. A real class act. I always felt bad interrupting those guys to discuss a patient, but not Jay- he always made me feel welcome, and I usually came away with a hunting invitation. Makes me wish I hadn’t been so wrapped up in my puny life and had spent more time with him and the good group he traveled with. He was so smart, so kind, and so funny! It’s probably good funerals aren’t allowed now because no place in Charleston could hold the turnout for him.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Michael Harmon