JAMES LEE 'JIM' LEONHART

Description

James Lee “Jim” Leonhart

BIRTH

8 Apr 1946

Denver, Bremer County, Iowa, USA

DEATH

26 Nov 2020 (aged 74)

Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, USA

BURIAL

Burke Cemetery

Burke, Dane County, Wisconsin, USA

James “Jim” Lee Leonhart, age 74, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 surrounded by family at New Perspective Senior Living. He was born on April 8, 1946 in Denver, Iowa to Martin and Irene (Homeyer) Leonhart.

Born with innate gifts and a proclivity towards leadership, Jim meant many things to many different people. He was genuine and steadfast, always prepared. He was quick and adaptable. He was at home in the company of others - Jim mastered the delicate balance of giving of himself, while truly listening and learning. He was just as comfortable talking policy with D.C. elites, as he was with a clipboard in his hand, drawing up a new play for the youth basketball team.

Walking through a crowd with Jim was often an exercise in patience. It seemed as though he was on a first-name basis with most of Madison, DeForest or any number of smaller circles in which he had left his mark. Jim once said, “A person’s name is gold.” Assuming that metaphor to be true, his pockets were full of gleaming trinkets and his generosity unmatched. He gave indiscriminately of his time, energy, his humor and wisdom. He was a mentor both officially and informally to many.

Jim was a loving and dedicated father. He guided with grace. He balanced a myriad of commitments and responsibilities, never missing a game, performance or recital. A leader, a coach, a problem-solver. A teacher, a dreamer, a doer. A son, a brother, a father.

Jim attended UW-La Crosse and received a BS in Physical Education and Chemistry. He then went onto UW-Madison where he received his master’s degree in Educational Administration. Jim’s careers reflected his interests, extending from education to the private sector and beyond. His early years were spent teaching, coaching and working as an administrator and principal. Later, he found success as V.P. of Government Relations at AT&T, Senior Consultant at DeWitt, Ross & Stevens, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association (WBMA) and Executive V.P. at the Celebrate Children Foundation.

Jim gave of his time and expertise to many different organizations. He served his community in roles including President of WI Jaycees (1974-1975), V.P. of National Jaycees (1975-1976), University of Wisconsin-Extension Board of Visitors, United Way Volunteer - he was selected as an Outstanding Young Wisconsinite by United Way. Jim was also on the Board of Directors of the Badger State Games for six years, serving as President for three years (1993-1995), Co-Founder of the Tri-County Youth Basketball League, member and President (2001) of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Madison, Board Member and Chair of the UW-La Crosse Foundation and was an advocate for the Aaron J. Meyer Foundation.

Jim is survived and loved by his children, Jonathan (Emily) Kent, Darrin (Gina) Leonhart, Carolyn (Matt) Stegmann, Erik Leonhart, Abby (Thomas) Mlsna; grandchildren, Alexander, Olivia, Emmitt, Camille, Elijah, Remi; siblings, Gene (Pat) Leonhart, Audrey (Dan) Thompson, Bob Leonhart, Cynthia (Mike) Whiteman, Beverly (Arlin) Schmidt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Alyssa Jo Leonhart; grandchildren, Elizabeth and William Kent.

Family Members

Parents

Martin Leonhart

1895–1968

Irene S. Homeyer Weber

1916–2015

Children

Alyssa Jo Leonhart

1985–1985