Born on December 7, 1953, in Cuba, he was a son of John R. and Mary L. (Griffith) Schleigh II. On December 1, 1973, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cuba, he married the former Vicki A. Dean who survives.

Jim grew up in Belmont and attended school there until moving to Cuba Lake his junior year. A basketball and track athlete, he also loved sailing and water skiing. Jim was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1972. After graduation he worked for Weathermaster Door and Window Company in Rochester until moving to Cuba in 1978. He then was a Maintenance Technician for Great Lakes Cheese in Cuba for 42 years, retiring in 2020.

He was proud to have built his home on Stout Road and could do anything he put his mind to. Every year he would split wood by hand for the winter. He built play structures for his kids and grandkids. While his children were young, he never missed attending their sporting events and took great pride in all of their accomplishments.

Jim enjoyed being outside, birdwatching, bonfires and music, watching football, basketball and hockey, all with a dog (or cat) by his side. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, pushing them on the swings, kicking a ball around, or piecing together puzzles and Legos.

In addition to his wife Vicki, he is survived by; three daughters Amy L. (John) Schleigh-Hayes of Succasunna, NJ, Kristy M. (Ruben Santiago) Schleigh of Wellsville, and Sarah N. Schleigh of Pittsburgh, PA; two grandchildren Laurel and Kenadee; four brothers John R. (Barb) Schleigh III of West Henrietta, Michael (Dianne) Schleigh of Grove City, PA, Charles (Val) Schleigh of Scottsville, Mark (Angie) Schleigh of Rochester; a sister Deirdre (Jeff) Schleigh-Robbins of New Zealand; a sister-in-law Cathy Flower-Schleigh of Florida; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Martha Ruhnow and a brother Thomas Schleigh.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 6-8 P.M. and again on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at which time a Memorial Service will be held in the funeral home. The Rev. Luke Granger, pastor of Cuba First Baptist Church, will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Allegany County SPCA, 5440 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813, at spcaallegany.org