James R. Leman

James R. (Jim) Leman, 82, Syracuse, Indiana, passed away, Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago following a renewed bout with cancer. He was born September 1, 1942 to Samuel E. and Ruth M. (Widmar) Leman of Bremen, Indiana, who preceded him in death. A confirmed bachelor, he never married. Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Jane (Phil) Zeltwanger of Bremen, brother Sam E. (Fran) Leman Jr. of Indianapolis, nieces Jelayne (Tony) VanBokkem, Cassandra (Chris) Bates, nephew Mathew Zeltwanger, and step-nephews Russ White, Brian (Adairius Gardner) Kehoe, and Timothy Kehoe White. Jim grew up in Bremen, spending summers with family at their Syracuse Lake cottage, where he formed life-long friendships with fellow “lakers”.  After graduating as the 1960 Valedictorian from Bremen High School, Jim attended Indiana University, studying business and joining the Delta Upsilon fraternity, expanding his close circle of friends. Leaving IU with a high honors degree, he moved on to Harvard Business School where he received an MBA degree. Jim took a position with the international advertising agency Leo Burnett in Chicago. Shortly after starting work, he was drafted into the Army, serving as a second lieutenant in Saigon, Vietnam with the information corp.  Upon his return to civilian life at Leo Burnett, Jim became an account executive on campaigns such as; Morris the Cat for 9Lives, the Marlboro Man for Phillip Morris, Charlie Tuna for Starkist, and “Is it Live or is it Memorex?” with Ella Fitzgerald, to name a few.  Eventually, Jim was promoted to President of the Leo Burnett Tokyo office.  Eight years later, he returned to Chicago as a Vice President for international operations, until retiring in his early fifties. If you asked him what he did at Burnett, he’d tell you he was in charge of rubber bands and paper clips…  During his retirement Jim traveled the world. He returned to his home on Syracuse Lake while maintaining a second residence in Chicago. He led a solitary but full life, populated with friends and family.  His empathy toward the disadvantaged, loyalty to those close to him, dry sense of humor and quick wit will be missed. Private graveside services were held at the Bremen Cemetery. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, PO Box 548, Syracuse, IN  46567