Columbarium niche  marker for James P. Leighton in Court 5, Section T, Column 2, Niche 4. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington (Arlington county), Virginia.

James P. Leighton, III Retired from U.S. Army after 25 years

   FRONT ROYAL, Va. — James P. Leighton III, 72, of Front Royal, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Winchester (Va.) Medical Center.
   He was born Oct. 4, 1930, in Erie, son of the late James P. and Lenorra Leighton. He worked as a construction foreman for Eakin Youngentaub Associates in Rosslyn, Va., and operated a small farm.
   He formerly worked as a defense consultant. He served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of colonel. He was an Airborne Ranger and a member of the Special Forces, completed two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star with the Gallantry Cross among many medals. He retired in 1980 after 25 years.
   Survivors include his wife, Nancy M. Kitchen Leighton; two sons, Joseph M. and David J. Kitchen of Front Royal; four grandchildren, Jamie L., Aaron M. and Kaitlyn M. Kitchen and David J. Kitchen II; an aunt, June Almeda of Erie; and a nephew.
   Friends may attend a memorial service Thursday, March 27, at 10:45 a.m. at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery's Fort Myer Chapel.
   Entombment, with full military honors, will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
   Arrangements are being handled by the Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal.
   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Front Royal/Warren Unit, P.O. Box 901, Front Royal, VA 22630.

[Erie Times-News, Erie PA, Saturday, Mar 1, 2003]