Obituary of James Douglas Leonard

James Douglas Leonard of Morgantown died at his home February 5, 2013 following a short illness. He was born in Lansing, MI on August 12, 1947, a son of the late Don and Dorothy Leonard of Dansville, MI. Jim served in the US Air Force from 1966 through 1970, including two years in Germany and one tour of duty in Vietnam. After leaving the military, Jim earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Michigan State University. Jim worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 20 years in various prisons throughout the US. The last nine years, he served in the position of Associate Warden. After his retirement in 2001, Jim enjoyed several paid and volunteer activities. He became a custom framer for Michael's Craft Store and served as President of the Ashton Estates Homeowner's Association for two years. Jim delivered for Meals on Wheels for three years and drove veterans to Clarksburg in VA van for their appointments. He served as a reserve deputy in the Monongalia County Sheriff Department for two years. Jim transported surplus food from Giant Eagle to the soup kitchen at the corner of Spruce and Willey streets. He served as Adjunct Faculty for Fairmont State College in 2005 and as a Staff Judge for cars at the Street Rod Nationals in Pigeon Forge, TN. From 2006 to 2008, Jim served on the Board of Directors for the Dream Machines Car Club. Jim became the sexton for St. Paul Lutheran Church in Morgantown in 2006 and enjoyed that position for six years. In 2008, Jim became a voting Ex-Officio member of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Research Subjects at West Virginia University and he joined the Board of Directors of the Clinton Water District in 2011. Jim hobbies included vintage cars, saltwater fish, wood working, and he was an avid reader. He belonged to the VFW, the American Legion, the Dream Machine Car Club, Good Guys, and the National Street Rod Association. In addition to his wife, Sally of 39 years, Jim is survived by his two sons, Jason and his wife Tiffany of Bloomington, IN as well as Chad and his wife Laura of Phoenix, AZ and their infant son, Tyler James. He is also survived by one brother, Steven, and one sister, Teri both of Michigan. He was preceded in death by his father, Don, and step-mother Joyce, and his younger brother Richard (Butch), all from Michigan. To honor Jim's wishes, Hastings Funeral Home has provided cremation services. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV on Saturday, February 16 from 10 AM to the time of the memorial service at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Matthew Riegel officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to Lutheran Campus Ministry Building Fund, 1497 University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.