(January 22, 1930 - July 17, 2017)
James Lee Leonard, 87, of Del Rio, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 17, 2017, at The Springs Memory Care Home in San Angelo, Texas. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 18th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at G. W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home in Del Rio. A graveside service will be at Mail Trail Ranch on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. July 19, 2017 followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at First Baptist Church of Sonora.
James Lee was born January 22, 1930, in Del Rio to J.B. Leonard and Nell Galloway Leonard. He was the grandson of pioneer rancher John Galloway, Sr. He graduated from Del Rio High School in 1947. He married Patricia Alexander Leonard, of Del Rio, in November 1955. They were married for 61 wonderful years. James Lee loved the ranch at Mail Trail Creek near Loma Alta, which was founded by his great grandfather. He dedicated his life to preserving and improving it. He spent much of his early life as a professional rodeo cowboy, competing at places like Cheyenne, San Antonio, Houston, and San Angelo. Later in life, he loved fishing and spent many hours at Lake Amistad with good friends and family. He was devoted to agriculture and served as Director of Production Credit Association, President of Del Rio Wool & Mohair Company, Director of Rio Grande Electric Coop., Director and founding member of Producers Market Coop. Inc. (PMCI). He also served 12 years as Val Verde County Commissioner. He loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Sonora. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s various 4-H & FFA, athletic, and other extracurricular activities. James Lee was preceded in death by his son, James Randall (Randy) Leonard, his brother, Johnny Leonard, and his parents J.B. and Nell Leonard.
James Lee is survived by his wife, Patricia Leonard, his son, Gary Leonard, and his wife Carol.of Sonora, his three grandchildren, Craig Leonard of Sonora, Savannah Chambers and her husband, Brett, of Lubbock, Texas, and Zachary Leonard of Los Angeles, California. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald Leonard, and his wife Suzanne of Roswell, New Mexico, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Craig Leonard, Zachary Leonard, Brett Chambers, Joey Forrest, Chip Macon, and Russell Leonard. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Allison, Art Beckwith, Bill Cauthorn, Clayton Davenport, Edward Earwood, Tom Lock, Bill Savell, Terry Schenkel, Don Spiller, Carl Weaver, Martin Wardlaw, David Wharton, and Tuffy Whitehead. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Courtney Sartain, Samantha Stewart, and all staff at The Springs Memory Care Home for the wonderful care and compassion shown to James Lee and his family. Memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church of Sonora, West Texas Boys Ranch, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.