James R. Leonard

Age 82, of Lansing, MI, passed away October 28, 2018. He was born June 29, 1936, in Lansing, to Raymond and Helen Leonard.

Jim was curious about life and the world around him. He was very adventurous, traveled the world, and was as an avid hunter, fisherman, boater, and scuba diver. He was the founder of the Lansing Chapter of Safari Club International, served as Regional Rep and currently a Director at Large. He hunted worldwide and was a longtime member of the Cass County Deer and Bear Club. Jim was also a past Michigan District Commander of the U.S. Power Squadron. He was a real humanitarian who dedicated countless hours to volunteering to numerous causes throughout his life.  One he was particularly passionate about was working with life-challenged children who he helped live out their dream of hunting whitetail deer.

Jim started his career by attending General Motors Institute, and retired from GM after 37 years of service.  He also received a Masters degree at University of Michigan in Industrial Engineering.

Jim was an amazing father, friend and stranger to no one and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Janet; children, Michael Leonard, Gregory (Terri) Leonard, and Heather Leonard-Heald; 4 grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, Lily, and Blake; and his brother, Roger (Alice) Leonard. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Thomas (Phyllis) Leonard.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 E. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing. Interment will take place in Hillside Cemetery. His family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 31st from 2-5 p.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, and beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Message of Hope Scholarship Fund c/o Our Savior Lutheran School.