James E. Leonard, 74, Enjoyed Family Time and Camping

Jim was born on December 8, 1938 and grew up in South Lorain. He graduated from Lorain High School Class of 1957A. Upon graduation, he attended DeVry Technical Institute and the Electronic Engineering Technology Institute. Jim went to work for Lorain City Radio and then opened Leonard�s TV, which he owned for 25 years. Additionally, he owned Lorain Custom Photo Lab and Jim Leonard Photography. More recently Jim worked for an electronics firm in Parma.

Prior to its closing, Jim was an active member with Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in South Lorain. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, being named parish �Man of the Year� in 1977 and 1992. He was also an usher, parish council member, and choir member. Most recently Jim was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in South Amherst.

Jim enjoyed family time and camping. As a young boy, he was a member of the Boy Scouts. His many hobbies included photography, Amateur �Ham� Radio, building and operating radios, remote controlled airplanes, and boats. He also enjoyed casino trips, woodworking, feeding all the birds, and was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan. Jim was a volunteer examiner for the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) and belonged to N.O.A.R.S. (Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society). He especially enjoyed meeting for coffee with some of the members on Tuesday mornings. For the past six years, Jim thoroughly enjoyed delivering meals to his newfound friends, for the Amherst Office on Aging, ever grateful for those who prepared the meals.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Justine T. �Tina� (n�e Paul), and their children, James Leonard, of North Ridgeville, Christine (Mike) Bopp, of Amherst, Donald (Anne Spenny) Leonard, of Toledo, and David (Denise) Leonard, of Lorain. He is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he adored, Samantha and Kyle Bopp, Ellie and CJ Leonard, and Ella Leonard.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Leonard in 1950, and Mary Leonard Brodke (n�e Spanich) in 1987; grandmothers Mildred Grgic (n�e Spanich) in 1973, and Verna Missy, (n�e Wolfe) in 1978.

His family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23 from 4 to 8 PM, in Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, where closing prayers will be at 10 AM in the funeral home. Then Mass of Christian Burial will at 11 AM, Wednesday, July 24, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 333 South Lake Street, South Amherst. The Rev. Father Lawrence N. Martello, Administrator and Rev. Father John C. Retar, pastor of Saint Frances Cabrini Parish, Lorain will concelebrate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

For further information and to sign the online register book, see Reidyfuneral.com.