James Olin Leonard, 84, of Pembroke, NC, was born September 23, 1926 and departed this life June 28, 2011 at the Agape Senior Rehabilitation, Nursing and Hospice in Conway, SC.

Mr. Leonard served in the US Army from 1944-1946. He married the former Jeanene Locklear on April 20, 1957 and was married for 54 years. To this union came three children; Kaulua Jeanelia Leonard Edwards and her husband, Mark, of Kill Devil Hills, James Joburn Leonard and his wife, Teresa, of Bloomington, IN, and Jamee Jo-Lynda Leonard Dickens and her husband, Mark, of Winterville; Mr. Leonard enjoyed and truly loved his children, but later acquired a greater love through his grandchildren. He was blessed to have seven wonderful grandchildren, Gary Dean Carroll, Jr., who preceded him in death, Daniel Zane Carroll, and his wife, Christina, Clarissa Edwards, Brittany Edwards, Stephen Edwards, Jr., Brinley Dickens and Rylan Dickens. He was also blessed to have two great-grandchildren, Lucas Salfemoser and Chloe Carroll.

Mr. Leonard was a man of deep compassion, Christian love and devotion for his children, grandchildren, family and friends. His life was a source of inspiration and blessing to his family and those who really knew him. He touched the lives of many as a father, educator and school principal. He influenced the learning and lives of those he raised and the students he taught. The lessons he taught will be long remembered and highly valued by all whose lives he touched. He believed Jesus Christ to be his personal savior and was a member of the Halifax United Methodist Church in Halifax. He attended First United Methodist Church in Pembroke.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Halifax United Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Hunt and Rev. Steve Formo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Leonard’s service to his country.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.