Johnsey “Jay or J.L.” Leef died peacefully Sunday, June 14, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jay was the only son of the late Dr. Johnsey Lee Leef and Rose Marie Leef. He grew up in Richwood, West Va., an idyllic and close-knit community that helped shape Jay into the man he became.

Jay lived in Charleston, West Va., where he was a radiologist for 44 years from 1974 to 2014. Jay loved his career as a radiologist and was a well respected mentor to many. He was at the forefront of radiological imaging and introduced many technological advances to the Charleston area.

Jay was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Richwood High School in 1961. He graduated from Marshall University in 1964 with a major in biology/pre-med. He graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha Honors in 1968. Jay interned at Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital in Pennsylvania in 1969. He proudly served in the United States Army as captain and medical doctor from 1969 to 1971. He completed a residency in radiology at the University of Virginia in 1974. Jay worked as a radiologist at Charleston Area Medical Center where he was chief of staff in 1987 and served on the board of trustees from 1987 to 1991. In 1989, Jay became a fellow of the American College of Radiology. Jay also served as a member of the West Virginia State Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board from 1991 to 2017.

Jay was known for his humble and generous spirit as well as his sharp wit and sense of humor. He relished his roles as radiologist, husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid bird hunter, boater and collector of antique furniture and guns. He enjoyed many fun and adventurous travels with his wife, family and friends.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Alfreda Marie Leef; his children, Alison Leef Corbin (Ryan) and Johnsey Lee Leef III (Margaret); and his grandchildren, Asher Casto, Ryan Trent Corbin Jr., Ethan McLeod Leef, Henry Lee Leef, John Edward Leef and Lucy Rosamond Leef.

In lieu of flowers, please make gifts to WVU School of Medicine care of WVU Foundation, Marshall University Foundation or Oleta Higginbotham Radiologic Technologist Scholarship Fund at the University of Charleston.