T.J. (John Allen) Leeming, 49, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, as a result of an automobile accident. He had a passion for anything with wheels and the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. His desire for speed was in his heart and his ultimate undoing.
T.J. was a long-haul trucker for more than 15 years. Moving to Idaho in the 80s, he started Nite Owl Shuttle, a cab company that serviced Sun Valley for several years. Upon returning to Connecticut, he continued trucking until he met Cathi and they married in 1996. They retired to Idaho in 2000, where T.J. started Torchjob Racing and Towing/Custom Auto Transport. By the year 2006, it was a hobby more than a business, but it was something that always made him happy. Helping others was what kept him going and gave him purpose.
Racing was under his skin. In the 80s he raced at Magic Valley Speedway and when he returned in 2000 started running in the pony stocks. His passion became the bi-annual trailer races and he loved putting on a good show.
T.J. was the youngest of four children. He was born on Jan. 17, 1958, in Glen Cove, Long Island, to Thomas Lonsdale Leeming and Lola Leeming Weyman, who both passed before him. His eldest brother, Thomas Leeming, lives in Montana and his sister Lola Leipold lives in Connecticut. His older brother Timothy passed away before him and will be waiting to welcome him in Heaven. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and will be sorely missed by all.
He leaves a wife, Cathi Leeming, and his two dogs, Johnny 99 and Mighty, who he thought of as his children.
Memorial services were held Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, at White Mortuary "Chapel by the Park" at 11 a.m. A gathering for friends and family took place following the service at Pandora's restaurant in Twin Falls.
Donations may be made in T.J.'s memory to the Twin Falls Animal Shelter or the American Red Cross.
