John M Leslie

John Marvin Leslie, aged 66, passed away on May 9, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. Born on September 1, 1957, in Louisville, Ohio, John touched the lives of many with his irrepressible cheerfulness, his sense of humor, and his kind heart. He had an exceptionally wide circle of friends. His non-judgmental nature and optimistic attitude were a magnet to people from all walks of life; he easily made new friends wherever he went.
John attended The Ohio State University and graduated summa cum laude in 1983. During his college years, his adventurous spirit led him to travel to Japan to see the woman he loved; they married and welcomed their first child while still in college. He enjoyed telling the story of his first trip to Japan, recounting how he had taken a job in construction to save for the plane ticket. He also recalled with gratitude how his ex-wife taught him how to study, a skill he said he formerly lacked. After earning his bachelor's degree, he went on to work as an auditor and then to become a Certified Public Accountant.
John moved to Arizona in 1985 and subsequently launched his own accounting practice, which he operated for the rest of his life. John had a strong work ethic and continued to work even as he battled multiple recurrences of neuroendocrine cancer and related health issues.
John enjoyed college football, classic rock, and heartwarming movies. He was generous and caring, giving more to others than he asked for in return. He had an imaginative side and started writing creatively as a hobby, penning fictional stories of heroic penguins.
John is preceded in death by his parents George and Joan Leslie; sister Jane Snyder; brothers-in- law John Barnhouse and William Black; niece Kathy Filipowicz and nephew Michael Sorenson.
He is survived by his two daughters, Sara (Brian Hannafious) Leslie and Alicia (Kousha) Najafi, and his two granddaughters Rumi and Auby Najafi. He is also survived by his brother Jim Leslie; his sisters Peggy (Jim) Sorenson, Nancy (George) Green, Susan (Dean) Smith, Marianne Black, and Joanne Barnhouse; dozens of nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Plans for a memorial service to honor John are underway. The family will announce the details once they are confirmed.
John's legacy of warmth, humor, and resilient optimism will forever resonate with those fortunate enough to have known him.