Remembering James Leckie: A Lifelong Commitment to Community

James “Jim” Alexander Leckie, a cherished member of the St Clair community and longtime owner of Leckies Butchery, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in both family and community.

Mr. Leckie spent his entire life within a one-mile radius of his business, which has been a staple in St Clair since its establishment in 1927 by his father, Alexander Leckie. He began working in the family butchery in the 1950s after finishing school and took over ownership in 1986. His daughter, Sandra Millar, recalled how her parents, Jim and Eleanor, were lifelong residents of St Clair, emphasizing their strong connection to the community. “They’ve only ever lived in three houses, all in St Clair,” she noted. “They always believed there’s nowhere else to live but St Clair.”

Under Mr. Leckie’s stewardship, Leckies Butchery became known for quality products, recently earning a gold medal for their ham. Millar expressed her pride, stating, “I know Dad would be absolutely chuffed with that.” Additionally, he gained notoriety in 1993 when he set a world record for the heaviest haggis, an achievement that brought him considerable pride during a time when “haggis ceremonies were all the rage.”

The butchery also held a special tradition of giving out cheerios to visiting children, a practice that continues today with the added measure of packaging for hygiene. Reflecting on her father’s early days, Millar shared that he often delivered meat to local households and kept an eye on the competition.

In 2007, Mr. Leckie retired, passing the reins of the butchery to his son-in-law, Grant Miller. Beyond his business, he had a profound love for animals, famously nurturing a wandering peacock that roamed St Clair. Millar shared, “He loved big birds and always joked about getting an ostrich.”

Mr. Leckie’s commitment to the community extended to his personal life. He married Eleanor Pritchett in 1960 at Holy Cross Church in St Kilda, where he later served as a vestryman and church warden. The couple had four children—Duncan, Sandra, Rachael, and Belinda—and were blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Millar reflected on her father’s passing, saying, “He wasn’t alone, and he was very much loved. It was a privilege to be with him when he died.”

Mr. Leckie’s passions encompassed various interests, including a lifelong dedication to swimming and surf lifesaving. He joined the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club as a teenager, participating in the first World Masters Surf Life Saving Championships at Red Beach in 1991. He won several medals and contributed significantly to the club by introducing Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs). His daughter Belinda remarked on his dedication to swimming, noting that he ensured all his children and grandchildren learned to swim properly.

In later years, Mr. Leckie’s passion shifted toward music. Although he was modest about his talent, he became involved with the Otago and Southland Organ Association and the Otago branch of the Vintage Car Association after inheriting his father’s Rover 100. He took organ lessons for years and even purchased an electric organ in the mid-1980s, often performing publicly despite his nerves. “He often won trophies and was very proud of his accomplishments,” Millar added.

Mr. Leckie’s life was marked by a profound sense of community engagement, family dedication, and personal passion. His contributions to St Clair and the impact he made on those around him will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.