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Mr. Leonard was born in Granville County to the late Willie Lee and Aileen Clark Adcock. Upon his mother’s death, Jim, as an infant, was adopted by Fred and Ruth Leonard, his aunt and uncle of Louisburg. He grew up in Louisburg and graduated from W.R. Mills High School and Louisburg College.
Mr. Leonard retired in 2002 from Norfolk Southern Railroad after 32 years of service.
Although tall in stature and loud of voice, Jim was gentle of heart and always a willing caregiver to his family and friends. Because he was such a talented and entertaining storyteller and speaker, he was asked to serve as master of ceremonies for his class reunions for many years, a role he relished. He loved life, especially taking his family to the beach, watching sports on TV, gambling at luxury casinos, and cheering on his beloved grandchildren in their many activities.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne Marks Leonard; daughter, Lisa Leonard West (Scott) of Wendell, NC; his son, James Fredrick Leonard (Gretchen) of New Bern, NC. In addition, he is survived by his five beloved grandchildren: Sarah and Cameron West of Wendell, Marshall Leonard and Victoria Riggs of New Bern, and Ashley Rodriguez of Knightdale, NC. He is also survived by his two sisters, Helen Allen Garrison of Falls Church, VA, and Lois Adcock Saunders of Oxford, NC. He will be greatly missed by his cousins: Martha A. Furst of McLean, VA, and Emma B. Stewart of Louisburg, NC, as well as his loyal classmates and many friends. His second wife, Sterling Graybill Leonard, predeceased him in 2007.
Jim will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family, his generosity, and his wonderful sense of humor.
A celebration of Mr. Leonard’s life was held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the chapel at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Online condolences to the family may be made at bryantfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements were by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance, NC.
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