James Adcock Leonard

James A. Leonard – January 28, 1942 – March 28, 2013

James Adcock Leonard, age 71, died March 28, 2013, at his home in Raleigh, NC.

Mr. Leonard was born on January 28, 1942, in Granville County, NC 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, NC. 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; his daughter, Lisa Leonard West (Scott) of Wendell, NC; and 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, NC 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 will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30 in the Chapel at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. Other times at Mr. Leonard’s residence.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.