James Corbett Leigh

Sergeant James “Jim” Corbett Leigh, of Owasso, Oklahoma, went on his journey on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 81 years. Jim was born on January 29, 1945, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to James and Fannie Leigh. He graduated from Hartshorne High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army with the Army Security Agency at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, from 1964 to 1968. After completing his military service, Jim received his police training through CLEET and worked at the Oklahoma State Prison in McAlester for one year before moving to Owasso in 1974. Jim began his distinguished career with the Owasso Police Department on August 15, 1974. When he first joined the department there were only six police officers on the Owasso force. Jim often said that one of his favorite aspects of being a police officer was the opportunity to help people. He also enjoyed the variety the job offered – no two days were the same -- and the chance to meet interesting people and hear their unique stories. Fellow officers knew him as a “good cop”, always willing to go out of his way to help his fellow officers. In 1993, Jim was honored at the City of Owasso Awards Banquet, where he received the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Service to the community. He became the first Owasso police officer to retire from the department after more than 28 years of dedicated service. When Jim first arrived in Owasso, there was little on the east side of the highway beyond a Chevrolet dealership and two abandoned houses. He watched Owasso grow from a very small town into a close-knit city where neighbors help neighbors. Jim knew every inch of Owasso and many of its residents. He loved the town deeply and proudly considered it his hometown. Jim married his wife and best friend, Mary Ellen, on April 19, 1979. Together they shared 42 years of marriage and many interests, including traveling, western art, and spending time together at the nearest shooting range. Jim was an avid reader, a gun enthusiast, and enjoyed collecting military antiques. Jim is survived by his stepchildren: Michael Gray of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Karen Henry (Roben) of Corrales, New Mexico; and Brian Gray, of Dexter, New Mexico; and his grandchildren: David Gray (Melissa), Stacy Perez, Kami Gray, and Roope Henry; Great grandchildren: Landon, Elijah, Amaya, Payton, Paxton, Abby, and Alivia He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Leigh; his parents, James and Fannie Leigh; his siblings, Billy Montgomery, Bernice Robinson, Bobby Sweet, Orville Leigh, and Harvey Sweet; a grandson Michael Gray and his wife Tristan. Jim loved his wife Mary, the Owasso community, being a police officer, and serving as a city employee of the highest caliber. His legacy of service, integrity, and dedication will live on in the community he so dearly loved. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Owasso with Pastor Mark Neumann officiating. The rendering of honors will be provided by the Owasso Police Department Honor Guard. Committal service and interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery in Owasso, Oklahoma. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Jim’s memory to the Friends of Owasso Police. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

James Corbett Leigh

January 29, 1945 - February 1, 2026