Arthur James Leonard

ARTHUR JAMES LEONARD III

LISBON, NH -- Arthur James Leonard III of Lisbon, NH passed away October 16, 2018 after a brief illness. He was born on September 19, 1943 in Washington, DC, and known as Jim to family and friends. He grew up in Loudonville, NY, graduated from Shaker High School in 1963, and earned an accounting diploma from Albany Business College in 1969.

In 1969, he was employed by Graves and Rodgers Liquor Co. before moving to Banner Elk, NC to work at Sugar Mountain in ski area management. In his free time while living there, Jim enjoyed riding his horse "Bridgette" and obtaining a pilot's license flying the Cessna airplane.

In the early 70's, Jim worked for Recreation Specialist of Franconia, NH as a commercial glider pilot/instructor. He also spent two winters in Terra Alta, WV where he was contracted to set up Alpine Lake ski area. There he met his wife Debbie and they enjoyed the next 44 years together. In 1974 he opened the Western Auto Store in Littleton, NH, and then in 1977 he purchased the Littleton Hardware Block on Main Street and moved the business to that location until 1982. He then sold the property and began working for Currier Trucking until 1987 when he purchased Chem Clean Restoration Furniture and operated it until 1994. He was also employed at Cannon Mountain, The Flume and Thayer's Inn. After Jim officially retired, he worked for Home Depot and O'Reilly's Auto Parts.

Jim was a resident of Franconia for 23 years before moving to Streeter Pond Road, Lisbon where he resided for the remainder of his life. Hobbies and recreation have included drag racing, hunting, skiing, canoeing, hiking, and trail building around his property. He also enjoyed woodworking, mechanics, gardening and building his wooden Roadster.

He has been a member of the OC Ski Club, Lynville Ski Club, Banner Elk Flying Club and Lions Club. He was involved with the Bill W. fellowship and was a longstanding member of the Littleton Elks Lodge. Jim was also a past Treasurer of Copper Cannon Outdoor Education Center.

Survivors include his wife Debra Peterson Leonard, his sister Loretta June Van Ness (Ray) of East Greenbush, NY; 8 nieces and nephews, and many grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur J. and Janet Leonard, Jr. of Loudonville, NY; and brothers, David A. and William T. Leonard of Haley, ID.

SERVICES -- A graveside service for family and friends will be held Tuesday, October 23rd at 11:00 AM, in the Elmwood Cemetery in Franconia, NH. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Copper Cannon, to help send a child to summer camp for a week, 231 Gale River Road, Bethlehem, NH 03574.