Horace "Jimmy" G. Leng

Son of the late Horace and Amelie Leng.

He is also survived by his brother Steven (Kathy), Chris (Irish) and his sister Robyn (Steven); brother-in-law of Jan (Chuck), and 5 Grandchildren: Chloe, Gabrielle, Marleigh, Evan and Mackenzie; nephews: Chris, Jon (Courtney), Christian, and Marc (Sammy); nieces: Karen (Kim) and Katie (Jordan); great nephews: Jackson and Noa; great nieces: Emma, Allie and Amelia; Aunts Suzanne and Sheila; and multiple number of loving cousins.

Jimmy was a force of life that will forever be with us. He was born New Year’s Eve in Bryn Mawr, PA. The nurses told his mom that he chirped like Disney’s Jiminy Cricket, so he was Jimmy from that night on. He grew up in the small town of Yardley, PA and spent his summers with his paternal grandmother “Am” along the shore of Avalon, NJ where he enjoyed her apple fritters and first learned to surf on his 10’ Duke longboard. When not at the shore, he enjoyed being with his family and particularly visiting with his maternal grandmother, “Granny.” He graduated from Pennsbury High School in l967, and enrolled at High Point College, NC. It was here that he joined Theta Chi fraternity, threw javelin on the HPC track & field team, refereed intramural sports, became president of the HPC PE Club, and danced into the heart of the love of his life, Barbara. With a military draft# of 100, he graduated in December 1971, and soon after enlisted in the Army Reserve at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC. where he excelled in marksmanship and as a player on the handball team.

In 1972, his Elementary PE teaching career began at Woodmont ES, Arlington, VA, and he married his college sweetheart. Together they moved to Gaithersburg, MD with the first of many beloved dogs, Zack. He also began his love for the Outer Banks, NC where he enjoyed swimming, surfing, fishing, beachcombing & continually exploring with his family.

In 1976, he & his wife moved to the small historic town of Washington Grove, MD where they raised their three children, five dogs, & 1 cat. He enjoyed being active in town as the Maple Lake lake guard, organizer of Lake Day, chair of the Planning Commission, participant in Labor Day events, member of the Washington Grove United Methodist Church and especially playing Santa Claus for Grove children at Christmastime. When not in his yard raking or gardening, he’d often be found visiting with friends and neighbors over coffee or drinks on front porches.

Throughout his teaching career, he taught children how to have fun and to be successful everyday in school through his love of games, like capture the flag, his playfulness, and his coaching style. He lovingly became known by all as “Coach.” In 2008, after 37 years of teaching & coaching, he retired. His retirement party at Glebe ES far exceeded his expectations with a large attendance by colleagues, staff, parents, past students & even including the then School Superintendent. It wasn’t long after that he took his joy of teaching to Gaithersburg HS where he became a beloved substitute.

Jimmy always pushed the boundaries anyway he could whether it was by wearing shorts to formal events or making political comments. He could always make you laugh or just annoy you. He was a great storyteller and would always say; “don’t let the truth stand in the way of a good story!” When he walked into a room, all noticed his presence. He loved teaching and bringing laughter to all children, but his greatest love of all was for his family. He was truly a blessing who will be missed.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1:00pm at McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Ave in Washington Grove, MD 20880.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:Caroline County Humane Society https://www.carolinehumane.org or to a charity of your choice.