Bridgewater, formerly of Richmond, P.E.I., passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Born on June 8, 1927, in Charlottetown, P.E.I., James was the son of Mary Ann Doyle and Claude Leonard. At the age of four, he was placed with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Currie of Richmond, P.E.I. In his late teens, he relocated to Halifax. For seven years he was employed at the Halifax Dockyard as an electrical assistant and house builder. James was a career soldier serving in the PPCLI and the Black Watch, having resided in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Germany, Ontario, and Manitoba before retiring in Nova Scotia. During his 27 years with the military, he served in Korea, England, Japan, Germany, and Cyprus. He retired with the rank of Master Warrant Officer. James loved his family and his church. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Lions Club, and was a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in forming the Council 7077 in Lower Sackville where he became a charter member. Surviving are his sons, James (Margaret), Kingston, Ont.; Robert (Donna-Lynne), Lower Sackville; Stephen (Lynn), Winnipeg, Man.; Daniel (Maryann), Dartmouth; Thomas, West Chezzecook; Michael (Louine), Grande Prairie, Alta.; daughter, Madelaine (David) DeMone; fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; and half-sister, Isabel (Bob) O'Brien. James was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Georgette (Duchesne); his daughter, Patricia Denise; great-grandson, Robbie; half-brother, Leonard; half-sister, Margaret; both his parents; and Ma and Pa Currie. Visitation, 7-9 p.m. today with prayers at 8 p.m. in Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Funeral mass 2 p.m., Saturday in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Bridgewater. Father Joseph Christensen officiating. Committal will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Bridgewater. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Bridgewater. On-line condolences may be made by visiting: www.sweenysfuneralhome.com