[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1349-E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF JIM LEYSER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good 
friend, veteran, Jim Leyser, who passed away on November 17, 2021. Jim 
was well known in the Central Valley and was actively involved in the 
community, volunteering his time for many causes. Jim was a father, 
husband, loyal friend, and veteran.
  Jim was born August 8, 1946 and was adopted in Hawaii to Maurice and 
Myrtle Leyser. Maurice, was a career navy submariner and was stationed 
on the submarine base of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. As Jim got older, Jim 
felt the need to join the United States Marine Corps. In 1968, he 
enlisted and got out in 1976. During that time, Jim was part of the 
Crash Fire and Rescue in the Philippines and Japan. In 1976, Jim got 
out of the Marine Corps as a sergeant.
  After serving in the Marine Corps, Jim met the love of his life, 
Mary. On April 24, 1981, they were married and started a family 
together. Jim worked at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in the specimen 
lab. He was part of the Marine Corps League as well as Commandant for 
Detachment-14 and was in the American Legion Charlie Waters Post 4, 
previously in Post 147. Jim participated on the K9 awards board 
committee and was State President for the American Legion for 2013-
2014. He also assisted the commander of the district 14 on American 
Legion Posts meetings, and so much more.
  Jim was often seen during Christmas volunteering for Toys-for-Tots; 
celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday at the ball every year and 
helping bartend for veteran events with the Marine Corps League. He 
made sure to be included in awareness events like the Suicide Awareness 
Ride, the annual Spaghetti Dinner

[[Page E1350]]

fundraisers, and being with his American Legion Riders Chapter 509. He 
volunteered his time handing out blankets to veterans during the 
holidays and participated in many funeral ceremonies in the Honor 
Guard, specifically during the pandemic. Mary was always by his side at 
the events, with a smile on her face and chatting with veterans and 
their families. They were both friendly and helpful to everyone and 
ready to assist when needed.
  Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary; his son; daughter-in-
law, his son-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Jim's 
wonderful daughter, Vickie, passed away in 2020. He leaves behind many 
friends including his brothers and sisters of the Marine Corps.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in celebrating the life of Jim Leyser. I join his family and 
friends in the veteran community in celebrating his life and continuous 
service to others.

                          ____________________