James R. Leonard, 67, of Gilman passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2025. He was born on January 20, 1958 in Bell Fourche, South Dakota, a son of James S. and Mary (Johnson) Leonard.
He married Sarah Schroeder on September 27, 1980 in Gilman and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Amy (Tony) Miller of Gilman; one son, Joshua (Jennifer) Leonard of Danforth; eight grandchildren, Clayton, Cannon, Cort and Phylicity Leonard and Ashton, Auston, Aayden and Autumn Miller; his father, James S. Leonard of Beecher; and one sister, Nancy Baker of Beecher.
James was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, John Leonard; and one sister, Debbie King.
Mr. Leonard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1975-1978 and was stationed in Germany. James was a retired carpenter with Union Local 496. He liked working around the house and building things, watching his grandkids play sports, and spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. Rev. Dr. Pete Hinrich will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Danforth with military graveside rites by the Onarga American Legion Post 551.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois West Youth Sports or donor’s choice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com.
