James Moses Leonard (He loved his middle name!) peacefully went home to be with the Lord on October 13, 2026. James was born on September 28, 1960, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Moses and Barbara Leonard. He said Ottumwa was a great place for kids to grow up in.

James was a Packaging Manager at the Ottumwa Courier newspaper. James moved to Pageland, South Carolina in December 2001. He managed a small jewelry store for a time, and he took CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) training, becoming a very proficient designer.

James married his wife, Barbara on March 21, 2003.

James is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Anna (Justin) of Fremont, Iowa, stepdaughter Nancy of Vista, California, three grandchildren, sisters Frances, Julie, and Ginger, aunt Delta, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frank Leaonard.

James was a faithful member of South Pointe Fellowship, in Pageland. A third generation Chicago Cubs fan, James enjoyed seeing one game in person, in 2008. He was ecstatic when his beloved Cubs won the 2016 World Series.

James was known by everyone who met him as a kind, loving, generous, funny, and intelligent man. He loved and wanted to help everyone. He especially loved sharing his love for the Lord with everyone he met. Years ago, James came up with a saying that exemplified what he was all about. He didn’t care about getting credit for it, but his dream was for it to spread everywhere, bringing joy to everyone. “If you need a smile, take mine. I’ll make a new one!”

A memorial service will be held at South Pointe Fellowship, in Pageland at 6:30 P.M. on Friday November 6, 2026. It will be livestreamed on South Pointe’s Facebook page and later posted to YouTube.