- Date Of Birth: August 8, 1949
- Date Of Death: July 23, 2015
- State: Florida
On July 23, 2015, Jim unexpectedly left this world and fell into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was the kindest, dearest and sweetest man – a wonderful loving husband, a great stepfather and brother and proud “Pops”. As an ER physician, he helped so many people in the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze area at Baptist Hospital and was beloved by the Staff of both Gulf Breeze and Baptist ERs. Jim retired last May after 41 years of medical practice. He leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Jan Trovato Leker, three step children Chris (Jennifer) Pike, Joey Pike, and Jenna Pike, and one sweet grandchild Alex Pike. He also leaves behind sister Karen Enos, brother Steve (Elaine) Leker and nephew Ryan Leker. He also leaves his little puppies, Alfalfa and Spanky. Jim was preceded in death by parents James Edward and Mary Leker. Jim was born in Kansas City, Missouri; received his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State, and his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Mississippi. He did his internship and served his country as a Navy Lt. Commander following medical school for four years. Jim went on to do his residency in Surgery at the Pensacola PEP Program and had a general surgery practice in DeFuniak Springs. Jim then returned to Pensacola to his first passion – Emergency Medicine, where he served as Medical Director for both Baptist and Gulf Breeze ERs, as well as Chief of Staff for Baptist Medical Staff. Jim also served as regional medical director for DMAT and deployed to aide victims of Hurricane Marilyn in the Virgin Islands and in the aftermath of September 11. One of his career highlights and joys of his life was spent as Medical Director of Baptist Life Flight which he held for fifteen years. He was honored with AMPA Medical Director of the Year in 2003. Jim also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Clinic in Gulf Breeze since its opening 10 years ago. He was a boater, cyclist, poet, romantic, woodworker, musician, artist and so many other things, but most of all a faithful follower of Christ.
