Thank you, Jim, for being a good friend and a good doctor. Thanks for taking good care of our children as their personal physician. You were known by many to be the genius in the medical group with exceptional clinical acumen. We were not disappointed.  They grew up to be  good mature adults because you kept them well though the years.  

You were the Internist in our medical group and read all the EKG ordered by the doctors. I have yet to find another physician who can interpret the EKG tracings better than you. 

I first met Jim when he and Mary Ann became engaged and was honored to be included in their wedding. Then life got in the way and we didn't see each other again for quite some time. We reconnected a few years ago and since then I've had the privilege to spend time with Jim and Mary Ann through our mutual activities. What I found was so much love, caring, and tenderness between them , as though they were newlyweds again. It was inspiring to see the true love between them. Jim will be sorely missed but I know Mary Ann will keep their love song in her heart.
     "There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains."

It was an honor and a privilege to work with you for 31 years as your front office assistant.I learned so much from you and what was important to you in taking care of patients.When MaryAnn came into your life it was such a joy to see your love grow and the extreme happiness you shared with each other . This is a sad day for all of us to say " goodbye" but it is comforting to know you are not suffering and knowing we will meet again some day in the Lord's presence.RIP.-- Love,Margaret G.




I knew James for about 35 years .
My fondest memories of James are his loving, generous nature and his love of gemstones tie bars.
Besides being smart, supportive and one of the kindest men I have ever known, he was a true gentleman.  I often counted on his advice and guidance.
I will miss him for the rest of my life.
My dearest friend James 


My first memory of Jim & Mary Ann goes back to their wedding.  It was a beautiful ceremony and Mary Ann Blessed us with her beautiful voice.   I especially remember the part of the reception where we had strawberries infused with alcohol using medical syringes.  It still makes me laugh.  I saw Jim at the many concerts where I performed with Mary Ann.  He was very proud of her musical talent.  We shared many lunches and dinners with Jim and Mary Ann.  Jim’s favorite meal was breakfast so sometimes he had it for lunch.  Fast forward to March 2018.  Jim & Mary Ann invited me & my husband to join them for a week in Maui.  We had adventures, shared good food, went shopping, and got to know each other better.  
I will miss Jim’s smile and his kind heart. He will always be in our hearts and that will keep his spirit alive forever.

I worked with Jim and Mary Anne for years and Jim was my very favorite client-He was one of the kindest people I've ever met and treated me with so much respect and always asked how I was. He was the only client I've ever had in 30 years that mailed me handwritten thank you cards just for doing my job. I will miss him terribly. Mary Anne is so wonderful and I am here to support and help her in whatever she needs. Blessings to the whole family in your time of loss.

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy
That’s how Mary Ann would frequently refer to him,  which would be followed by her infectious laugh.  They had  such a great relationship.
He touched so many lives and I feel so fortunate to have had the pleasure to know him.
Jim always would greet you with  the warmest smile that would light up the room.  
I worked with Mary Ann years ago and remember when she first met Jim.  She made him cookies!  So their was no denying this was going to be something very special.  
We have so many enjoyable memories that were made over the years.  Whether  traveling or just getting  together for dinners (he loved his Mexican food); we were always laughing and having a great time.  My fondest memory of Jimmy is  how he would come up to Mary Ann and say…..”OK, come on Little Girl it’s time to…..” leave, go eat, stop shopping or whatever the reason;  Always with that infectious smile!
A very special man, a dear friend and without a doubt will be missed. 


Having a friend in Jim was a wonderful experience. He was a sweet, funny, devoted person and we so enjoyed spending time with him and Maryann. He always had a cute story, joke or memory to share and we loved his stories. So many dinners, wonderful memories of Hawaii, and fellowship after singing because he never missed Maryanns concerts. He and Bill were the "hubby brigade" always in the audience. He was always there when I needed to talk about medical issues, with encouraging smart words of advice. We will miss him so very much and were blessed to be his friends. He was such a kind and gentle man.

Jim was a very sweet and gentle man who was always friendly with me whenever we met.  He was my daughter’s doctor for a long time as well    Jim will be missed by so many of us. I’m truly sorry for your loss Leonard family.

Jim, with his relaxed style and easy smile was the embodiment of kindness and generosity. We remain endlessly grateful for Jim and MaryAnn's dedication and support of the APAC Foundation. They were strong advocates of the arts and we could always rely upon them whenever needed. Jim will be sorely missed.  

I have fond memories of Jimmy and Maryann in Maui. Jim was always on the hunt for a new and different poi pounder to add to his collection.
He was a sport and put up with my searching art galleries for a “find”. We found an artist that he an Maryann liked and did buy a couple of pieces.
And then there was the outdoor swap meets that we all did on Sunday’s.
Lastly there were the meals that Linda would mix up in the tiny hotel room microwave. It wasn’t a picnic, to Jim it was a feast.
You are missed my friend.

Doris and I became good friends with Jim and Mary Ann shortly after we moved across the street in 1994. We shared many common interests, enjoying evening dinners and theater events. Even our family gatherings were brightened when Jim and Mary Ann joined in.  I lost my beloved wife Doris this past January. Although Doris and Jim are surely welcomed in Heaven, they are sorely missed.

   We enjoyed our trips with Jim and MaryAnn through the years, especially traveling with them to Maui to their timeshare where Jim and MaryAnn would watch the "whalies" (as she calls them) from the balcony. We shared good food and plenty of laughs together during our escapades. One funny episode was when we were in LAX casually eating together because we had so much time before our flight to Maui. We are all clock watchers, but this particular morning none of us were apparently paying any attention to the time. Suddenly realizing we were about to miss our flight, Jim and MaryAnn were narrowly able to scoot through the gate to board the plane, but we, who were right behind them, did not quite make it to the gate in time. The two of them boarded the plane, leaving us pleading to get on at the now closed gate. The plane sat at the loading area for quite some time as we all, horrified, talked with each other on our cell phones. While we waited for another flight, Jim and MaryAnn went ahead to Maui. Jim calmly took the opportunity to check in to the timeshare, rent a car, and make an extra trip back to the airport in Maui to pick us up later. We could all laugh about it, and it became a story to tell for years to come. During our chats with Jim on these wonderful trips, he would share about his love for college basketball, especially his college team, North Carolina playing against their nemesis, Duke University. Duke was coached by Mike Krzyzewski, better known as "Coach K." Jim was excited to tell how on two occasions, Coach K spoke to him in person, talking "basketball shop," the players, and the two teams playing against each other in their rivalry. Jim will always be remembered to us as a "southern gentleman," who adored his wife, and treated friends with love and respect. He was one of a few that was always a joy to be around. Jim was humble and sweet, and will be greatly  missed. 

Jim, a gentle and wonderful man and husband to Mary Ann, always greeted those he met with a welcoming smile. Getting to know him was easy for us. We know he left a lasting, positive imprint on his patients and colleagues in medicine and many friends. Jim was always at Mary Ann’s side, cheering her on whether teaching, singing or involved in community service. She always looked forward to their trips to Hawaii or abroad and shared their many happy experiences with colleagues and friends. Jim was positive role model in every way. We will miss him, his smile, and his friendly manner…God bless you, Jim, resting in peace with our Savior.

Sincere and loving condolences,
John and Roberta Pantle


I first met Jim through Mary Ann at an APAC event meeting.  Jim was one of those special people who always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting for those he came in contact with.  He had a keen sense of humor and was a joy to be around.  The love between Mary Ann and him was  very evident.  They made a wonderful couple.  It’s hard to believe that he’s gone but I know that Jim will always live in Mary Ann’s heart.  

To me, Jim was the personification of thoughtfulness. In the 30 plus years that I knew and worked with him his concern and care for others was omnipresent.  His hobby of letters to prominent figures, for example, is a reflection of this interest in others.  Janyce and I can only say to Mary Ann that we too will miss his dry sense of humor and will hold fondly our memories of our close personal friend. That thoughtfulness will be remembered dearly.

Chuck and Janyce Streit

For all that know Jimmy. you all knew how great a man he was . He loved his sports. definitely his Tar Heels basketball. Collecting correspondence pictures and autographs of people he admired. Traveling with Marryann around the world. Mostly to see what he could find that was delicious. He loved his animals. And doing things to help others. He loved being a Dr. But mostly he loved being with Marryann. 
I remember being a little kid and my first memories of Jim were of jim and Marryann’s wedding. It seemed as if it had been a whirlwind of love that they meet and so soon after that they got married the wedding seemed to me as a little kid a magnificent event. And that they were very much in love. And as the years passed that never changed. I told my auntie that their loved had always been a shining example of a true love story. This world has lost one outstanding person someone we all should strive to be like. You will be missed uncle Jim. 
Love your nephew Edwin 

My dear precious Jim. I will truly miss your kindness, your laughter and wit. You were always so special and kind to me. I had the privilege to meet you and your beautiful wife, Maryanne at APAC. You were always their to give a helping hand and just complete an event. I will be here always for your wife and any family members. I just feel so truly blessed that I had you in my life and I know I will see you one day in heaven with all God’s Angels. You will be looking down among us and we will be looking sharing a smile and a prayer. 🙏

From the first time I met Jim I recognized a real gentleman, totally dedicated to not only his profession, but also his beautiful wife. I had Maryanne in high school so already knew she would be a great companion. Although our hearts are heavy and we are so sad, heaven just gained a most noble Angel and we know he will watch closely over his beloved Maryanne. 

Jim and MaryAnn had an endearing, sweet love for each other.  It was displayed in every action and in every conversation. As First Corinthians 13:13 states: "And now these three remain: faith, hope,
and love. But the greatest of these is love."   
Jim and MaryAnn were blessed with this love.  May Jim Rest In Peace and may dear MaryAnn be comforted by that Faith and Hope
that they will be together again in with Jesus.

I recall meeting Jim and MaryAnn the very first day we were moving into our new home across the street from the Leonards. Both of them came over on the day we moved in and were so enthusiastic and thrilled that we were here, they were gushing with friendship and welcoming thoughts. We knew then and there that we had made the right move. Jim and MaryAnn became close friends over the next four years sharing dinners, thoughts and  warmth many times. Jim was a quiet man but always spoke volumes when he did speak and he used his wry sense of  humor to  always keep listeners engaged.  We will miss Jim, but will fondly remember him  for his kindness, humor and loving spirit that encircled  him always. May God bless Jim and keep him forever in all our hearts.

Today is October 17th and it's Jim's birthday.  Before Covid hit, we always had Jim and MaryAnn over for dinner to celebrate Jim's birthday.  He was always so grateful and thankful for the meatloaf and mashed potatoes I use to make special for him because it was his favorite.  He would always give me a big hug and say:  Now you've got to stop spoiling me like this...... and then he'd giggle and laugh.  I wish he was coming over for dinner tonight so I could spoil him.  I will always light a candle on this day and remember Jim and his kind, sweet, loving, genuine true spirit.  He loved the simple thing's in life like MaryAnn and the people around him that he loved and the ones who loved him.  Until we meet again in heaven,  Dalia Brunner

I was shocked to hear of the news of Jim’s passing!  My memory is of a ‘perfect’ marriage that started with a box of chocolate chip cookies (in my mind’s eye!) and a lovely wedding with MaryAnn singing to her love!!!  Prayers and heartfelt wishes go out to MaryAnn and Jim’s family!!!

Jim was a sweet gentleman, always willing to help Mary Ann with all her endeavors. You could see the love in his face when he watched Mary Ann sing. A love match made in Heaven and so it will be once again when they meet in Heaven, some day. Until that day, he will always be in your heart, Mary Ann. 💗💗 Mellody

We first met Jim through MaryAnn
Such a beautiful occasion the wedding was. Jim was a kind, caring and unassuming man. A gentle giant in our eyes. Our love goes out to MaryAnn. We want her to know that each day that passes the sun gets brighter and brighter.
Rest In Peace Jim and God Bless you MaryAnn.
Much love
Jonathon and Lulu

I only had the privilege of meeting Jim once, but this I knew instantly.    He was a wonderful man and perfect for my dear friend, Mary Anne. Their relationship has inspired me. It will be difficult for Mary Anne to be apart from Jim for a while, but she'll be okay. She has had the wisdom to cultivate another relationship, that one being with God as Companion, Counselor and Comforter. Peace be with you Jim and Mary Anne. Love, Dale

I met Jim and Mary Ann through our Wheaten Terriers many years ago. Jim, a gentle soul. He adored Mary Ann and he loved their dogs deeply.
I am honored to have known this truly lovely, kind man .
May his dear Soul Rest In Peace and may his memory be a blessing.
Ann Leigh and the Wheaten family


Jim was often the epitome of saving grace for me. When Jim, Mary Ann, and I would work at fundraisers of soirées I would get exhausted from all the hustle and bustle. I was always so happy Jim was there though because talking with him was a breath of fresh air that helped me relax. He was one of the reasons I looked forward to those events.  I will always miss those chats. So genuine.

Jim was a charming and polite man.  It was the main thing I noticed when I first met him.  I remember thinking I wish more people were like him.  Besides his courteous ways he always participated in Mary Ann’ s activities.  I remember the look of love on his face as he watched Mary Ann sing at Max Bloom’s Cafe Noir.       Once when I was helping at a Gala Mary Ann was involved with and Jim asked if I needed help.  Telling him I needed to be on the other side of a very large property rather soon he simply said in his soft voice, “May I accompany you?”  From then on my husband and I always called him Gentleman Jim.

I also met Jim through my life long friendship with Mary Ann.  I knew that shortly after meeting Jim that they were destined to be together. 
Jim truly was one of the warmest, kindest men I have ever known.  With those wonderful qualities came a wickidly funny sense of humor!
Jim cared for and loved Mary Ann with every being of his body.  
I always looked forward to our get togethers as it was always Jim that would get me laughing.  You will always have a special place in my heart Jim not only for the love and dedication you gave Mary Ann but for you.  Your kindness, generosity, your zest for life and your humor.  Till we meet again.

I met Jim because of Mary Ann, after their first date I knew they would marry soon and they did  within six mo the. You could see and feel the love Jim had for Mary Ann and in turn Mary Ann for Jim.  At any time you could ask Jim how long he and Mary Ann were married and he could tell you down to the days, even after almost 35 years of marriage. Jim was the kindest, gentlest soul my husband Dave and I have ever met. Just a great guy. His soft spoken, Southern Gentleman ways made it a pleasure just to be in his presence. Jim’s subtle sense of humor was great. Dr Jim was also our family doctor. My husband has many health issues and he always trusted Jim’s diagnosis, Dave felt safe under Jim’s care.  Jim will never be forgotten, all of us are lucky to have known him. God speed Jim Leonard…

I am good friends with MaryAnn  and Jim. I saw how excited she was when she first met Jim. It seemed to be the perfect match as he made her so happy. So happy that when  they were married nearly 35 years ago she sang to him during the wedding.    I was fortunate to be apart of that special day. A couple that were that perfect match. They did everything together.   
Jim was a fan of so many things and loved getting autographs. 
A kind and gentle man. Quiet demeanor and love for humanity. He is already missed and he is probably asking the Lord for his autograph. 
Rest In Peace  our friend 
Love from Jack and Kathy Lythgoe 

Dear Mary Ann,  Jimmy  will be sorely  missed.  He brought so many smiles, laughter  and memories  to my life. Much love to you  Mary  Ann.   RIP Jimmy. 

Jim was always such a sweetheart. He always had a smile on his face and always had a little quip to tell. Sometimes, the quips weren't always that funny, but that made it even funnier. 

Jim was always by Mary Ann's side the few times we traveled together. He enjoyed shopping as much as Mary Ann. That made their relationship even closer.

Mary Ann always said she wish she could clone Jim for her other single girlfriends. Their loving relationship was that good.

OBITUARY

James Raymond Wesley Leonard, M.D.

17 October, 1945 – 26 September, 2021

Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary

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