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BORN
1950
DIED
2014
James LEONARD Obituary
James Michael Leonard, 64, of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away November 3, 2014, at the Hospice of Palm Beach Unit at Good Samaritan Medical Center. James was born February 17, 1950 in Miami Beach, FL. His father, Arthur H. Leonard, Jr., preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his mother, Marjorie Irene Leonard (DeLand, FL), his brother, Arthur Leonard (Oceanside, CA) and his sister, Sister Pat Leonard, OP (West Palm Beach, FL), and cousins, Andrew Watson (Gail) and their children, Eric and Linda and Kevin Leonard (Kim) of Monument, CO. Jim worked for Florida Power and Light for 20 years, but he is best known as "Cyclone Jim" - a well-known videographer and hurricane and tornado chaser. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at St. Ann Church, West Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221.
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Memories and Condolences
for James LEONARD
Dave Oreck
July 17, 2019
I met Jim at my place of employment. I was a huge fan a novice storm chaser myself. We talked about tornadoes for sometime and then it was back to work. Jim came back and brought me an amazing storm chasing video! He was a great guy and thoughtful as well.
Steve Wachholder
November 30, 2014
During the 29-years I knew Jim, I think I got to know him better then just about anybody. Soon after I met him in 1985 he helped me fulfill my dream of experiencing several Hurricanes and Tornadoes upfront and personal. This was something truly unique as most people would never have the opportunity to witness such force and raw energy displayed by nature. Chasing Hurricanes Hugo and Opal with Jim is something I will never forget, as well as the storms we chased in Tornado Alley from Texas to North Dakota throughout the years. Spending countless hours with Jim watching storm-chase video, eating out at one of our favorite restaurants or just discussing the latest weather event over the phone was always lots of fun. But what I will miss the most is just hearing Jim's voice on the other end of the phone telling me what his thoughts were at any given time during the Hurricane Season. Jim Leonard, perhaps the Greatest Storm-chaser that ever lived, the true "Storm King" who witnessed more Tropical Storms and Hurricanes on the ground then any other person in the history of world will never be forgotten by the many people who called him friend and by thousands of others who have heard or read about his fascinating life. R.I.P. Jim as I will always think of you whenever the Hurricane force winds happen to blow my way. So long friend, and may the good storms be yours.
Photo of Jim, Tim Millar and myself, taken at Mike Theiss and Andrea's wedding
Thad Bowling
November 10, 2014
Jim was truly one of a kind... a pioneer in his field. For those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him, we all know how much of an impact he had on our lives. His life, and his quest to always learn more about Mother Nature and how she works, will never be forgotten.
Now you will be able to chase the storms from a different vantage point, Jim! CHASE ON, MY FRIEND!
Photo by Olivier Staiger
Mike Theiss
November 9, 2014
Dear Jim,
Thank you for being a mentor, chase partner, role model and most of all a great friend. You were full of knowledge and always willing to teach. I know when we first met I bombarded you with many storm questions, but you always answered them and was very patient to teach me so I fully understood. The biggest gift you left behind to me was how to "Read the Sky". We first chased before mobile internet data, wifi, and most of the storm chasing tools we use today. You taught me to look up and understand the behavior of the atmosphere and what might come next. You taught me how to push the limits, but yet be as safe as possible while doing so... You were there for me in many low points of my life and was always there to help no matter what !! I promise you I will live the rest of my life as you did, I will teach the next generation what you taught me about storms. I will share the knowledge you passed on to me and promise to always talk about you and make sure that "Cyclone Jim" will never be forgotten. You achieved so much in your life, you lived life on your own terms and never let anything stop you from living your dream since you were a kid, and that dream was to be at one with nature and witness Mother Nature's most spectacular events. We will celebrate your life on Nov. 11th, I can't promise I won't cry, or break down at times, but I sure will do my best. You positively influenced the lives of so many people while you were on this planet and for that I Thank You ! Now rest in peace my friend and know that I will be closely monitoring the weather patterns next Hurricane Season and I will make sure you get your one last request to be spread into the winds of Hurricane so you will forever be chasing. You may be Gone with the Wind, but your memory will forever be with all of us that loved you so much !! See you in the eyewall of the next Hurricane, I can't wait !!
Photo by Olivier Staiger
Mike Theiss
November 9, 2014
Dear Jim,
Thank you for being a mentor, chase partner, role model and most of all a great friend. You were full of knowledge and always willing to teach. I know when we first met I bombarded you with many storm questions, but you always answered them and was very patient to teach me so I fully understood. The biggest gift you left behind to me was how to "Read the Sky". We first chased before mobile internet data, wifi, and most of the storm chasing tools we use today. You taught me to look up and understand the behavior of the atmosphere and what might come next. You taught me how to push the limits, but yet be as safe as possible while doing so... You were there for me in many low points of my life and was always there to help no matter what !! I promise you I will live the rest of my life as you did, I will teach the next generation what you taught me about storms. I will share the knowledge you passed on to me and promise to always talk about you and make sure that "Cyclone Jim" will never be forgotten. You achieved so much in your life, you lived life on your own terms and never let anything stop you from living your dream since you were a kid, and that dream was to be at one with nature and witness Mother Nature's most spectacular events. We will celebrate your life on Nov. 11th, I can't promise I won't cry, or break down at times, but I sure will do my best. You positively influenced the lives of so many people while you were on this planet and for that I Thank You ! Now rest in peace my friend and know that I will be closely monitoring the weather patterns next Hurricane Season and I will make sure you get your one last request to be spread into the winds of Hurricane so you will forever be chasing. You may be Gone with the Wind, but your memory will forever be with all of us that loved you so much !! See you in the eyewall of the next Hurricane, I can't wait !!
Jim Williams
November 9, 2014
I was honored to have you as a friend Jim you taught me so much about hurricanes & chasing,you touched so many in the weather community and my sympathy goes out to the family.
November 8, 2014
We're so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.
With sympathy,
Jeannie Spring and Garth Nicholls
November 7, 2014
Jim was well liked and respected by everyone. Rest in peace Cyclone Jim.
Brad Riley
Harvey and. Jean Wanner
November 6, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy.
Harvey and Jean Wanner
New Hradec, ND
Richard Horodner
November 6, 2014
May the memories of Jim help you find peace.
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