James Frederick Leonard, 67, of Springfield, Ohio died suddenly May 1, 2016 at his home on the Masonic Community Campus

Jim was born February 13, 1949 to Paul and Dorothy (Douglas) Leonard and was raised in Sidney, Ohio where he graduated from High School in 1967.

He then attended Ohio Northern University and Bowling Green State University receiving a Master’s Degree in Education. He began his career as a Special Education teacher in Lima, Ohio.

Jim’s involvement in REACT; a Ham Radio Emergency Response Service and his passion for helping others led to his positions as Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Lima and then Executive Director of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross in Columbus. Jim was proud of his Tiffany award for Management Excellence and of his donating over 30 gallons of blood.

Jim was a 32nd Degree Mason AASR Columbus, Morningstar Lodge, Springfield, Aladdin Shrine, Columbus, Northeast Shrine Club, Royal Order of Jesters and recently received a 25yr award from Blendon Lodge No 339 Westerville. He was also an Aladdin Shriners Roadrunner, transporting children to the hospitals.

Jim completed his career as Deputy Director of Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security using his disaster management skills in a high-tech communications center.

He was a member of Central College Presbyterian Church in Westerville, Ohio where he was a member of the Enrichment Class and an Elder.

Jim was a devoted, dependable, loving son, husband, father, brother who took exceptionally (deserves a monument in D C) good care of his family. And he was loved.

In retirement, Jim was able to join his son in law's business and have frequent contact with his daughters and their families. 

Jim was a licensed Amateur radio operator “WD8MRT” and a member of the Ohio Historic Bridge Association. He also enjoyed his Jeep and Motorcycle, and of course Cincinnati Bengals football. 

He leaves his wife of 30 years Mona Moyer (nee Eschmeyer), his mother Dorothy Holthaus, Sidney, two daughters: Stephanie (Patrick) Griffin of Bellbrook and Laura (David) Monley of Mason. Three brothers: Larry (Ellen) Leonard of Sidney, Robert (Diane) Waldrop of Seattle, WA, Danny (Arlene) Waldrop of Wapakoneta.

Also Children Wendy (Chip) Coburn of Cincinnati, Jed (Valerie) Moyer Raleigh, NC and Tom Moyer of Springfield.

SEVEN GRANDAUGHTERS who loved him SO dearly:

Katelyn and Kelley (daughters of Stephanie)

Megan and Anna (daughters of Laura)

Miranda Wodarski (daughter of Wendy)

Jacklyn Moyer (daughter of Tom)

Eva Moyer (daughter of Jed)

He was preceded in death by father Paul Leonard; step-father Clell Waldrop and step-father Edward Holthaus

Funeral Services Monday, May 9, 2016 at 11 am Springfield Masonic Home (Burkhart Auditorium) 

Visitation 9:00 – 11:00 am.  Rev. David Redding (Central College Church) and the Rev. Bruce Vincent (Masonic Home) will co-officiate the services

Burial Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in New Knoxville 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children or the American Red Cross

 Service Information