Obituary of James Leonard

James D. Leonard, a man truly devoted to his life's work and one who redefined the role of educator and Vice Principal during his 44-year career, peacefully passed away on May 27, 2011. He was 72. Mr. Leonard was born and spent his early years in a place just outside of Pittsburgh; an area of Bethel Park, PA called Coverdale. After graduating from Bethel Park High School, Mr. Leonard headed to Indiana State College where he completed his undergraduate studies in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Shortly after graduating, Mr. Leonard headed east and settled into the town he would call home until his final days in Toms River, NJ. The initial draw to the area was to work summers alongside his uncle in running a family catering business and restaurant in Seaside Park called Sinn's. Always the first to arrive and begin cracking eggs for the breakfast rush each morning and the last to leave after mopping the restaurant clean each evening, it was the drive and work ethic developed during these years that would follow Mr. Leonard for the rest of his life. In 1961, he began his 44-year tenure with the Toms River School District. Mr. Leonard thought nothing of his impressive attendance record during this time period; not a single vacation-day or sick-day was taken during his entire career. He spent his first 2 years with the school district as a fifth grade teacher at Washington Street Elementary. He quickly moved into a supervisory position at Intermediate East in 1963, the only intermediate school in the district at that time. A lifelong champion of education, Mr. Leonard continued his own studies during this time and completed his Masters of Education at Rutgers University in 1967. Upon the opening of Intermediate West in 1975, he accepted a transfer and moved into a Vice Principal role. It was in 1988 that Mr. Leonard transitioned into a role in which he would hold until his ultimate retirement in 2004, Senior Vice Principal of Toms River High School North. It is unlikely that any student or educator that passed through the halls of TRN during these years would have done so without knowing Mr. Leonard. His ability to relate to his students was second to none. Although he was often the first to discipline when necessary, many times with a simple stern glance, Mr. Leonard felt an unwavering responsibility to act as student advocate whenever appropriate. In addition to his role as school administrator, Mr. Leonard was also heavily involved with countless student activities over the years. He held an active role as Squad Co-Coordinator and Color Guard Advisor for the Marching Mariners Band from 1989 until well after his official retirement. He also worked closely with the Toms River East Marching Raiders band as Squad Advisor. Mr. Leonard advised many other organizations and clubs throughout the years, most notably overseeing the annual yearbook staff and the theater stage crew for the school. Outside of TRN, Mr. Leonard devoted countless hours to the community. He was a Lifetime Member of the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad in Seaside Park where he held the office of President and Financial Secretary for many years. He took great pride in the dinners, barbeques, and other fundraising events he coordinated and hosted. In true Mr. Leonard fashion, he insisted on completing every aspect of these events under his close watch. It would be difficult to put a number on the countless prime rib dinners he prepared or the number of tickets he sold while working the auction booth with fellow members on the Seaside boardwalk to raise funds for this organization. It is one to which he felt so deeply connected over the years. Mr. Leonard was a longtime member of the Ocean County Superior Court Judicial Volunteer Program. Most recently, he held the Chairman position for the Juvenile Conference Committee, a group of local leaders who overheard cases for individuals under the age of 18 charged with misdemeanor crimes. Mr. Leonard lived his life for others. He woke each morning with the goal of encouraging his students to do better and to strive to be better human beings, both academically and beyond the classroom. Although a recipient of countless honors and awards over the years, Mr. Leonard preferred to shy away from praise as he felt he was simply doing his job and fulfilling his responsibilities. Although appreciative of each of the distinctions he received, the single most gratifying honor, one that he cherished above all, was holding the position of Senior Vice Principal at Toms River High School North. His mother, Mary Maxine (Bliss) Leonard, and his father, David Benjamin Leonard, predeceased Mr. Leonard. In addition to his half-sister, Gloria Valentine of Washington, PA, he is survived by countless dear friends and colleagues. A funeral service will be held 12:00 noon on Friday, June 10, 2011 in the Risen Christ Chapel at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 56 Cedar Grove Road, Toms River. Letters of Condolence may be sent by visiting www.kedzfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, located at 61 J Street, Seaside Park, NJ 08752. <h3>Services</h3> Friday, June 10, 2011 12:00 pm Risen Christ Chapel at St. Joseph's Cemetery 56 Cedar Grove Road, Toms River, NJ 08753