James Leonard, Sr. Obituary

James "Jim" J. Leonard Sr., age 81, of Allen, TX, died January 3rd, 2021, after a brief illness.

Jim was born to Paul and Philomena Biondi Leonard on March 19, 1939, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. During childhood, his family moved to Connecticut where he attended Waltersville Elementary and Harding High School. As a teenager, he met and fell in love with Margaret "Peggy" Fritzie; they were married on March 23, 1958, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1959, Jim enlisted in the United States Army; he served in Korea and then was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He later joined the US Army Reserves, serving until his retirement in 2007. Jim was a draftsman/design engineer by trade and retired from Kone Elevators in 2007. He came out of retirement and thoroughly enjoyed working part-time at Market Street.

For many years, he was a volunteer firefighter for Echo Hose Hook and Ladder in Shelton, Connecticut. Jim was proud to bepart of the color guard in many parades and a long-time member of the firehouse bowling team. He also served at First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield (CT), as President of the Mens' Bible Class, ordained Deacon and an assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 10 BSA. His favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting, golf and playing cribbage.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Leonard; daughter Cheryl (David) Volberding of McKinney; sons James Jr. (Martha) Leonard, of Seymour, CT, and Glenn Leonard of Monroe, CT., nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Mary Ciesluk and Anna Biebel. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers Paul Leonard and John Leonard.

A memorial service is being planned in McKinney, TX at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim's memory to Family Promise of Collin County (familypromiseofcollincounty.org) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).