Johnsey Lee Leef, Jr.
October 30, 1943 - June 14, 2020
Charleston, WV
- Share:
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.
Mary Bee antholz says:
June 17, 2020
I am so sorry. Jay has been a piece of joy in my life for nearly forty years. Always kind, funny and wise. I’m grateful I knew him and will miss him. Xq
Joe Kessler says:
June 17, 2020
Alfreda,
So sorry for the loss of “JL”, as most Richwooders knew him. Sincere condolences for you and your family. His parents were medical care givers to my family and I remember visiting their home on Walnut Street many times. I do remember both of you from our time at Marshall and our graduation together in 1964. Joe Kessler Ashland, Ohio
Rebecca Russell says:
June 17, 2020
Dr. Leef was a longtime customer of Hairways. He was always kind to everyone. I remember him talking about duck hunting . He will be missed.
George and Sue Zaldivar says:
June 17, 2020
Our life has been enriched by knowing both you, Alfreda, and Jay. We are saddened by your loss, and the loss to both, your children and grandchildren. We will, however, always remember Jay with gladness in our hearts. I was always a happy occasion for Sue and I meeting both of you socially, as it was for me, George, working with him for many years. We will miss him. Please receive our prayers and our remembrance of a life well lived. George and Sue Zaldivar
Alan & Cathy George says:
June 17, 2020
Alfreda, Alison and Johnsey – please know that we are thinking of you and sending lots of prayers your way. Jay was at the center of so many good times and great family memories. His laugh and big smile were contagious and will be the biggest parts of how we remember him.
Love to you all!
Alan, Cathy, Katie, Alan, Jr. & Anna
Nikki George Ortuglio says:
June 17, 2020
I am so very sorry to hear about Uncle Jay’s passing. I have many great memories of him that I will cherish always. May you find light in this time of darkness… I hope you can find comfort knowing he is watching over you always. Love Nikki George Ortuglio