James Frederic Leonard

Born in Hartford on July 30, 1938, a son of the late Joseph M. and Mary L. (Stanley) Leonard, he grew up in East Hartford's Mayberry Village and attended East Hartford High School.

Just before his 18th birthday, Jimmy joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years, primarily stationed in Key West. His mechanical aptitude and interest led to his assignment to the ship's engine room, where he developed valuable skills in diesel engine maintenance and repair, as well as firefighting. These skills served him well throughout his life. While in the Navy, he and the engineering crew were awarded a coveted "E" for Excellence pennant in engineering a number of times, which was displayed on the ship's funnel. He cherished this recognition.

After his service, Jimmy worked at Pratt & Whitney and Robinson's Florist Shop until he found his true calling as a firefighter in the East Hartford Fire Department. He loved being a firefighter and dedicated the next 31 years to serving the people of East Hartford, effectively employing his Navy-honed skills, physical strength, leadership abilities, compassion, and innate desire to help others. He was an experienced pumper driver and served for many years as shift leader at Engine Company 2. A fellow firefighter once described him as a “firefighter’s firefighter.”

When not on duty, and especially after his retirement, Jimmy was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed working in the yard, exploring the woods, hiking and biking on back roads and trails, boating on the lake, and working on or driving his latest project car. He rarely sat still unless he was recovering from an injury or illness, or enjoying the company of his cat, Tatsie, while engrossed in a good book.

Jimmy was a lifelong learner and the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. He embraced challenges and tackled projects with enthusiasm, from home renovations and assisting in the construction of his Columbia home to plumbing, refurbishing a seasonal cottage, and renovating and restoring a series of project cars, particularly his beloved Corvettes.

Jimmy possessed an artist's eye for form and design, evident in his home's landscaping, flower arrangements, woodworking projects, car restorations, and even the construction of campfires. He was skilled in working with stone and created beautiful dry stone walls, steps, and walkways.

Jimmy was a loving husband and soul mate, a true partner who made every day special. He was a devoted father who cherished spending time with his sons, whether it was hanging out, working together, going for joy rides, sharing his skills, celebrating their successes, or offering comfort when needed. A highlight for his sons was the annual rustic camping trip to the Rhode Island shore. He was also a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews, offering love, laughs, advice and support. He shared his love of boating with them on the lake and enjoyed beach days at Misquamicut. He taught many of them to drive, with some lucky ones even receiving driving lessons in one of his Corvettes!

He resided in the Vernon area for several years before settling in Columbia for the past 39 years. A devout Catholic, Jimmy attended both Saint Columba Church in Columbia (Catholic Community of the Good Shepherd) and St. Joseph Church in Willimantic (Corpus Christi Catholic Community). During his later years when he was unable to attend Mass, the priests and parishioners of St. Columba provided him with communion, prayers, streaming services, and companionship, which brought him great comfort.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jimmy is survived by two cherished sons: Joe Leonard of Wallingford and Pat Leonard and his partner Heather Jackson of Lebanon; many special brothers- and sisters-in-law: Connie Leonard of Vernon, Camille Leonard of East Hartford, Susie Guillet and her husband Ron Soloway of New Hartford, Ned Guillet and his wife Dana of Sonoma, CA, Maggie Brennan and her husband Dennis of West Hartford, Kathy Mentus and her husband Bill of West Hartford, Ellen Kelleher and her husband Bill of West Hartford, Kevin Guillet of New York City, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Besides his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by three brothers: Donald "Red" Leonard of East Hartford, Larry Leonard of East Hartford, and Jerry Leonard of Vernon; and two sisters-in-law: Peggy Guillet of Needham, MA, and Mabel Leonard of East Hartford, and nephew Dennis Patrick Brennan of West Hartford.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many aides from Angels of Love HomeCare and The HomeAides agencies that provided compassionate care for Jimmy in his later years, especially Bestow Boateng, who tirelessly cared for him like family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 10th, at 10:00 AM at Saint Columba Church of the Catholic Community of the Good Shepherd, 328 Route 66, Columbia. Burial with military honors will follow at State Veterans' Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. Jimmy's family will receive relatives and friends on Monday morning, February 10th, from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Saint Columba Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jimmy's name may be made to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, 167 Route 66, P.O. Box 26, Columbia, CT 06237; The Beckish Senior Center, 188 Route 66 Columbia, CT 06237; or St Columba Church of the Catholic Community of the Good Shepherd, 328 Route 66, Columbia.

The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.