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LEONARD, JAMES KWIS Marshall, MI age 84, of Marshall, MI passed away on August 17, 2018. His son, James Erlenbach Leonard of Jackson, MI; sister, Johanna Leonard Kirkwood of Ithaca, NY; and his parents, James Montrose and Helene Kwis Leonard, preceded him in death. His son Louis M. Leonard and his wife Julianne of Ann Arbor, MI; and his daughter, Catherine L. Timberlake and her husband Bruce of Chelsea, MI; and his grandchildren, Molly and James of Ann Arbor, MI and Audrey, Emily, and Elizabeth of Chelsea, MI; and a special friend, Louise Hefka of Jackson, MI survive him. Born on October 21, 1933 in Detroit, MI Jim attended Redford High School and graduated from Western Michigan University after serving in the United States Army. Following college Jim worked for General Motors in the Ternstedt Division. In 1968 Jim and his family moved to Jackson, MI where he was employed as the Sales Manager for Drake's Batter Mix Company and he eventually purchased the company and retired as the Chief Executive Officer. Jim enjoyed attending various sporting, music, and theater events in which his grandchildren were involved. Dad had a tremendous love for the game of golf achieving a hole in one and winning the annual golf invitational at the Country Club of Jackson and he traveled several times to Scotland with good friends to enjoy the game. Dad was an avid supporter of the arts and enjoyed the Brass Band of Battle Creek, opera, and many performances at The Wharton Center at Michigan State University. Jim was involved in the community and was a member of Marshall Rotary and sponsored the annual fish fry. Dad was well known for his hospitality, generosity and famous pig roasts and Christmas parties. Dad was a lifelong collector and enjoyed collecting and displaying many items he found of interest and he would proudly speak of these items with friends and family. Visitation will take place at Kempf Funeral Home, 723 U.S. 27 North, Marshall, MI at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 24, 2018 with a celebration of his life immediately following at 11 AM. A luncheon will be held at Schuler's Restaurant, 115 S. Eagle Street Marshall, MI on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Noon. A private burial service will take place in Findley, Ohio. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Brass Band of Battle Creek and the Marshall Rotary. Friends may send condolences or share a memory at www.kempffuneralhome.com.
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I pray for you daily. Stay close to Jesus and pray to Jesus for me, too.
I plan to see you in Heaven and watch birds sing.
Mariane
Mariane Sokolev
Friend
August 11, 2023
It has been three years, and you are still greatly missed !
Mariane Sokolev
Friend
August 11, 2021
One of the most interesting and generous people I have ever know. We worked well together and his particular view of life left me lessons that will always be with me. His memory will make me smile for as long as I live.
God's speed Jim, and thanks for being a good friend
Michael Spezia
August 21, 2018
You left behind many special and dear friends in Marshall, Traverse City, Hillsdale, Jackson County; and in Wisconsin and Ohio. You touched the lives of many in other parts of our great nation and in Europe.
You were a man of great intellect, wit and charm, outdone only by your kindness and generosity to many.
You had kind and warm words for everyone and about everyone.
Your laugh was contagious.
Your zest for life could not be contained.
You spoke highly of and were proud of your employees at Drake's Batter Mix.
You are much loved and are deeply missed.
God grant you eternal rest!
Shalom!
Mariane Sokolev
August 20, 2018
You will be missed my dear friend!! My condolence to the family during this difficult time
Diane Mohney
August 19, 2018
Jim was a very generous, kind and always a gentleman. We enjoyed his friendship and will miss visiting with him at our Derby, Belmont, and Christmas parties. He overcame many adversities in his life. May he find peace and love in his new world.
Cass and Wanda
Howard & Wanda Cascarelli
August 18, 2018
Thank you for your service, Mr. Leonard.
August 17, 2018
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Aug
24
10:00 a.m.
Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services723 US Hwy 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068
Aug
24
11:00 a.m.
Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services723 US Hwy 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068
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Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services723 US Hwy 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068
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