James "Jay" Leach

James “Jay” Leach, 75, passed away September 30th in Saco, ME, after a years long battle with dementia. He is survived by his children Heather, Chris, and Mackenzie, his wife Sarah, his siblings Chris, Maggie, Nancy, Mark, and Stephen, and many dear in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He joins his father Chuck, mother Mary, brother Jonathan, nephew Andrew, and brother-in-law Bob. Born in Philadelphia on May 24th, 1951, Jay spent his childhood in Lexington, MA, attending Lexington High and playing hockey with his brothers and friends in the rinks, streets, and on frozen ponds. As a teenager his family started spending their summers on Diamond Island on Lake Winnipesaukee which, throughout his often nomadic life, would always be his home.

Following hockey opportunities in his early adulthood, he hopped trains across America and Canada, returning to New England to play at the University of New Haven. Always aware of his priorities, he left school once his senior year season concluded. After a short stint playing semi-pro, averaging a concerning, albeit impressive, game-to-PIM ratio, he began his coaching career at Choate Rosemary Hall in the early 80s. He then spent the next five years coaching collegiate hockey at Merrimack College and the University of Maine before transitioning to coaching professionally, beginning with the Hartford Whalers. As his family grew with his then wife, Jeannie, so did his resume. Jay had the privilege of being a coach with the Springfield Indians, Hershey Bears, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals. Throughout, he also proudly represented his country on the world stage by coaching several International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments. Before wrapping up his career back at the University of Maine with his beloved Black Bears, he coached youth hockey in the metro Atlanta area. Throughout his extensive career, Jay’s passion was always rooted in supporting the athletes of every skill level he got to work with and mentor. What made him so unique and skilled at his craft was his ability to see something special in players that others may have missed. His charisma, devotion, and ability to relate to his players were what made him so special.

All the while, Jay always returned back to Lake Winnipesaukee. His summers were filled with boat rides to visit his dear friends and family, fishing, and terrifying the next generation with death defying tube rides, although he was always considerate enough to ask if you paid your insurance first. Jay was especially talented at carpentry, and while his home was perpetually under construction, he built many beautiful additions.

Jay’s big personality and presence will leave an unfillable void for all of those that knew him, but we’ll continue to live our lives with joy and comradery in his honor. Family and friends from all stages of life will celebrate Jay on Wednesday, October 7th at noon ET. The gathering will take place at The Barn at The Inn on Main in Wolfeboro, NH; 200 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Jay’s honor to support the Men’s Ice Hockey Team at the University of Maine via the Black Bear Student Experience Fund.