James 'Jim' Allan Leonard Obituary (1949

Psalm 34:14 "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." James (Jim) A. Leonard, age 73, passed away on December 22, 2022, at Memorial Hospital, in Yakima. He was born to Mary and James William Leonard, on February 24, 1949, the oldest of four boys and two girls. He went to school in Yakima, and later West Valley. He graduated in 1967 and joined the U.S. Army in August of 1967. He went to Vietnam on his nineteenth birthday, and served 1968-1969 in the Vietnam War, where he received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was discharged in July 1970. He returned home a changed man, who spoke for peace and unity. He walked the Trail of Tears and served briefly in the Peace Corp. He also protested the violence of war, in groups and alone. It wouldnt be long before Yakima and its newspapers recognized him and his cardboard signs promoting peace and unity. He met Carol Leone Greek, in 1976, while they both worked as nurses in the Yakima Detox. They married on September 9, 1976, in Winnemucca, Nevada, and made a home in Yakima, Washington. They had two daughters, Rebecca, and Teresa. Jim worked as a nurse, first in Yakima, and then in Toppenish. During this time, he worked his trade, continued his peaceful protests, gardened when the weather permitted, hiked in the mountains, and traveled to Pine Ridge, South Dakota every October. He took food, blankets, and supplies for those in need in his mission of care. He retired, and soon after suffered a heart attack. He recovered, but his health was never fully restored. The doctors claimed he would die within 18 months, but he lived 15 more years. During this time, he resumed nursing part-time, continued in his day to day living, and his mission of care. Even when he was really ill, he thought of the well-being of others over himself. James Leonard is preceded in death by his father, James William Leonard, mother, Mary (Andersen) Leonard, and brother, Kenneth Owen Leonard. He is survived by his wife, Carol Leone Leonard, daughters, Rebecca Leonard, and Teresa (Mike) Ballamis, grandchildren, Jack and Lily, his brothers, Gary Leonard, and Steven Leonard, sisters, Janice Miller, and Mary Clasen, cousins, nephews, and nieces, and many more. A Memorial Service will be held at a later time. Little round planet In a big universe Sometimes it looks blessed Sometimes it looks cursed Depends on what you look at obviously But even more it depends on the way that you see Hear the wind moan In the bright diamond sky These mountains are waiting Brown-green and dry I'm too old for the term But I'll use it anyway I'll be a child of the wind Till the end of my days. Bruce Coburn (Child of the Wind). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.