Leanne J. James

Leanne J. James, 54, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home in La Crescent, MN on September 10, 2026. She was a loving and beautiful Pacific Island woman, born and raised on the remote island of Misima in Papua New Guinea to Naomi (Elijah) Samson and Richard Porior. In 1996, while visiting family in the US, she was introduced by her aunt to Rick T. James and their instant chemistry was followed by marriage in 1997, then three beautiful children: Tianna, Dylan and Kyler.

Leanne earned her LPN degree at Western Technical College in La Crosse, then held various nursing positions at Bethany St. Joseph, Claddagh House, Logistics Health and CSL Plasma. She was univerally praised as a professional and compassionate caregiver. Her empathy, instincts and ability to provide healing and comfort were amazing to behold, both at work and at home. She will be dearly missed.

Leanne loved being outdoors and enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. She had an adventurous spirit and was not afraid to travel by unconventional means when visiting family in Papau New Guinea. Whether it be on a World War II vintage cargo ship, or a banana boat on the open seas, she enjoyed the travels and the destinations. She reached her final destination too soon for us, but the Lord must have good reasons for the timing.

She is survived by her loving husband, children and parents. Three half-siblings: Desnie, Troy and Charles plus many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea.

Visitations will be held Thursday, September 17th from 5:00-7:00pm and Friday September 18th from 10:00-11:00am. Funeral service will be held Friday, September 18th at 11:00am with Burial Service (optional) and Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00pm.

The Visitations and the Funeral Service will be at Schumacher-Kish, 111 South Oak Street in La Crescent, MN.

Burial will be at Toledo Cemetery, 3000 North Pine Creek Road in La Crescent, MN.

A Celebration of Life for Leanne will be at the La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Pkwy, La Crescent, MN 55947 from 12:00-3:00pm.

In honor of Leanne's bright spirit, all attending are welcome to wear bright clothing if they wish. Leanne was a former member of the Applefest Committee, so she would certainly approve of partaking in local festivities while in La Crescent.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Service will be livestreamed and made available for download.

Please share messages, memories and photos of Leanne in the Guestbook below.