Dr. James “Jim” Robert Leonard

MANCHESTER – Dr. James “Jim” Robert Leonard, 91, of Manchester, Maine, passed away surrounded by his family on May 6, 2022, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. Jim was born on March 7, 1931, in Boston, to parents Daniel Patrick Leonard and Rose (Marshall) Leonard. He was predeceased by his siblings, Francis Joseph Leonard, Daniel Leonard, Mary (Leonard) Ferris, and Catherine “Kay” (Leonard) Burke. Above all else, Jim was the most wonderful husband and father. He leaves behind his loving wife of 66 years Grace Margaret (Smith) Leonard. He is survived by his children, James R. Leonard Jr. and wife Kristen Kravitz of Topsham; John M. Leonard of Melrose, Mass.; and Andrew E. Leonard and wife Kathleen (Cobb) Leonard of Groton, Mass. He was adored by his grandchildren: Collin and partner Makenzie Nichols, Genevieve, Elise, James, and Emily and by his great-granddaughter Evelyn. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His love and generosity will never be forgotten. Jim began his military service in 1947, serving in the Army, the Navy, and the Coast Guard Merchant Marines during the post-war effort and the Korean War. Jim completed his bachelor’s in psychology in 1956, graduating magna cum laude from Washington College in Chestertown, Md. Jim continued on to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. During his graduate school years he also held a United States public health grant to do research at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington.Jim devoted his entire career as a clinical psychologist to the service of veterans with postings in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and finally at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta where her served for 16 years. Earlier in his career, he was appointed chief psychologist at the Bath, N.Y., VA Hospital. After retirement, Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved gardening, taking pride in his roses. He also had a great appreciation of many genres of music and literature, especially poetry. He had the gift of reciting from memory poetry from the past. The family wishes to thank the nurses at MaineGeneral who kindly tended to Jim during his last days at the hospital.There will be a private graveside service at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans atwww.dav.org.


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