Jimmy Thomas Leake, age 73, of Tiptonville, TN, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg Hospital. Born on October 27, 1952, in Ridgely, TN, he was the beloved son of the late Coy Thomas Leake and Mildred Fowler Leake.

Jimmy dedicated 41 years of his life working as a lineman at Gibson County Electric before retiring. As of to date, Jimmy was working as a substitute teacher for the Lake County School System. He also served his country in the United States National Guard for six years. His commitment to his community was evident through his volunteer work as a fireman in both Ridgely and Tiptonville, and his service on various county boards, including his role as Road Commissioner. He was also the coordinator for the music entertainment at the Annual Reelfoot Arts and Crafts.

Jimmy was best known for his beautiful piano abilities and singing. Music was the cornerstone of Jimmy's life. He began playing the piano at the age of nine, performing for his church, and his passion for music continued throughout his life. He played with renowned country musicians such as Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch Band, John Anderson, Tab Hawkins Band, and Conway Twitty, just to name a few. His talent also extended to Gospel Music, where he played with Blessed Assurance, Jordan Tittle, Jean Tittle, and Jimmy Gant, traveling across five states for 15 years. During those exciting times, he continued to play piano for 20 years at Wynnburg and 15 years at Mt.
Olive Baptist Church.

Jimmy was a dedicated member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he not only played the piano but also served as a Deacon for 20 years. His legacy of music and service will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Tiptonville with Rev. Jack Henry and Rev. John Troutman officiating. Burial will follow in New Haven Cemetery. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The Leake Family will receive visitors from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Tiptonville.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Debra "Debbie" Leake of Tiptonville, TN; a son, Patrick Thomas Leake (Jessica) of Dyersburg, TN; two daughters, Kayce Leigh Bunch (Eric) of Tullahoma, TN and Laura Beth Lancaster (Jon) of Trenton, TN; a sister, Suzette Simmons of Ridgely, TN; and two brothers, Alan Leake (Sandy) of Knoxville, TN and Jason Leake (Amy) of Newbern, TN. Jimmy is also survived by Brad Perkins, who was like a son to him and shared their home as part of the family for many years; and his 10 grandchildren, Lanna and Parker T. Leake, Austin and Savannah Simrell, Bryceton, Kingston and Stetson Bunch, Avery Hagen and Ty and Hadley Lancaster.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Harper Shae Leake.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jason Mills, Mark Perry, Russell Hopper, Seth Turnbo, Joseph Gooch and Bo Lamb. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Ogden, Ricky Muncrief, Ray Davis, Bill Jones and Joe Lee Williams.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Ste. 510, New York, NY 10017 or at https://giving.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Jimmy Leake. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net