Funeral services for James Edward “Jim” Leonard, age 78, of Brownwood, will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00.
Mr. Leonard passed from this life on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Burleson.
James was born on August 3, 1945 to Edward and Maggie (Wells) Leonard in Trickham. He attended Coleman schools and finished his degree in the Army. He served in Vietnam with the Army C Battery 6th Missile Battalion 71st as an Artillery CW Hawk E5 Specialist. James began his career at 3M in 1966 where he worked for 35 years. He retired in 2001 when he became ill with Leukemia and could no longer work. Outside of work he enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports, dance and anything they might be involved in. Early in life, James enjoyed days on the lake water skiing, hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, bowling and camping with family. Later in life he loved a good cup of coffee on the front porch of his home watching the hummingbirds and deer. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Brownwood.
James is survived by wife Mildred Leonard; two sons Jerry Leonard and wife Anja, Doug Leonard and wife Valerie both of Brownwood. Step-sons; Mark Mayo and wife Tessie and Duane “Punk” Mayo and Jennifer Evans both of Brownwood and Jay Morris and Angie Morris and husband Henry of Burleson; a sister Cathy Dutton and husband Randall and a brother Carl Leonard and wife Sheri. Thirteen grandchildren; Hunter Leonard, Lynn Leonard, Andrea Harding and husband Andrew, Krystal Wingard, Danny Hogue, Madison Mayo, Caleb Mayo, Natalie Mayo, Kristi Morris, Misti Robinson, Ryan Robinson, Haleigh Howard and husband Taylor, Chance Morris and wife Lauren; and 23-great grandchildren. James will be deeply missed by many.
James was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Maggie Leonard, his wife Carlolyn Leonard, three brothers Lonnie Leonard, Allen Leonard, and Murl Leonard; two sisters Joy Gilliespie and Carolyn McGee.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Leonard family at heartlandfuneralhome.com
