Jimmie C Leonard, 78, more affectionately known as Jim, passed away Wednesday evening, June 15, 2022 at the Bedford Hills Center after a long period of declining health.
A resident of Nashua since January 1981, Jim was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 3, 1944. the 10th of eleven children of the late Arthur and Annie Mae (Childs) Leonard. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters. After graduating from the Shreveport school system. Jim earned a Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi Valley State University in 1966 and a Master’s degree in music from the University of New York.
Jim began his career as a Music teacher/Band Director in Mississippi, then relocated to New York City as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America. After returning to teaching briefly in New York City and Leonia, NJ. Jim and his family relocated to New Hampshire, where he spent fourteen years in Human Resources with Digital Equipment Corporation. After leaving Digital, Jim continued in HR at Children’s Hospital in Boston and later retired from Lahey Clinic in 2006.
Jim had many talents and interests and was very active in the community. A French Horn player, he performed with the Hollis Town Band, Nashua Chamber Orchestra, other bands and orchestras and a brass quartet. He also gave private lessons for varied instruments. When he could no longer play due to health reasons, he turned to singing and joined the church choir, the Souhegan Valley Chorus and the Nashua Interfaith chorus. Jim was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church of Nashua, serving on the Diaconate and was honored as Man of the Year. He served as co-chair of the Annual First Baptist Martin Luther King Celebration for many years. Jim also was a member of the Nashua Interfaith Council, and served as a regular volunteer for Anne Marie House, a transitional housing program for families. He served on the boards of the American Baptist of NH/Vermont, and the Emmanus Org. Jim was always willing to help others short and long term. He was often described as ‘funny’ , ‘gentle’ and ‘caring’ , and a ‘sharp’ dresser.
Jim leaves his wife of fifty and a half years , Julia E. Brown Leonard; two sons, Shanon J. Leonard, wife, (Becca), of Lucas, TX, and Jamel D. Leonard of Nashua, NH; a grandson, Ryan Leonard of Lucas, Texas; a brother, O.C. Leonard, of Charlotte, NC; a sister, Elizabeth Mann-McCarthy of Rochester, NY; A sister, Rosemary Guss of Rochester, NY. ; many nieces, nephews, cousins throughout the country.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 121 Manchester St. Nashua, NH, followed by fellowship refreshments. Donations may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church of Nashua or the Dementia Society of America, PO. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.
