James J. Leon, 81, of Trumbull, CT passed away unexpectedly on January 29th, 2022. Jim was a native of Bridgeport and lived in southern Connecticut for the entirety of his life. He attended Bassick High School in Bridgeport where he played football and made lifelong friends. He attended the University of Bridgeport 1961-1966. He had a variety of employment in sales including medical equipment and high end yachts and sailboats. For the latter half of his life, he was self-employed as owner of a small building and remodeling firm.

Jim experienced many challenges in his life, challenges that could easily have set him on a different course. Instead, he found things and people who provided support and comfort throughout his life. His love of horses brought him great pleasure. Enjoying the excitement of riding a polo pony in a heated match, breaking a yearling or coaching a young rider on their first horse were all conducted with care, patience and a real connection to the animals.

Another constant throughout his life was his connection to Long Island Sound. He spent untold hours walking the beaches, distance swimming in all kinds of weather and riding the waves in a variety of sailing crafts over the years.

Just as Jim loved walking the beaches and footpaths of southern Connecticut, he also loved strolling in and out of people's lives. He would show up in places like Marty Kane's Deli on Main Street in Trumbull for a cup of coffee and a cigarette. He was always eager to hear your story, ask questions or give his analysis of some current event, all the while, sharing very little about himself.

Those of us who knew Jim over the years and for whom he may have parted the curtain just a little, know him to be a steadfastly loyal friend. Always giving more than he asked in return.

That powerful handshake and the way he could strike up a conversation with everyone in the room at social gatherings made you muse about why he had not become a politician or CEO of some corporation.

James Leon was a proud and humble man that we are privileged to have had in our lives. We will miss that handshake and ready smile and how he would relish a turkey dinner with all the fixings at our Thanksgiving table.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those who wish to remember him with a gift may consider Save the Sound www.savethesound.org the Cardinal Shehan Center. www.shehancenter.org

Save the Sound
900 Chapel Street, Suite 2202 , CT, New Haven CT 06510
Tel: 1-203-787-0646
Web: https://www.savethesound.org

Cardinal Shehan Center
1494 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06604
Web: http://www.shehancenter.org