Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Leonard Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
He married Sarah Schroeder on September 27, 1980 in Gilman and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Amy (Tony) Miller of Gilman; one son, Joshua (Jennifer) Leonard of Danforth; eight grandchildren, Clayton, Cannon, Cort and Phylicity Leonard and Ashton, Auston, Aayden and Autumn Miller; his father, James S. Leonard of Beecher; and one sister, Nancy Baker of Beecher.
James was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, John Leonard; and one sister, Debbie King.
Mr. Leonard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1975-1978 and was stationed in Germany. James was a retired carpenter with Union Local 496. He liked working around the house and building things, watching his grandkids play sports, and spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. Rev. Dr. Pete Hinrich will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Danforth with military graveside rites by the Onarga American Legion Post 551.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois West Youth Sports or donor's choice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com. To send flowers to the family of James, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
234 North Central Street, Gilman, IL 60938
Make a Donation
in James Leonard's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Leonard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
