James Caswell Leard

James Caswell Leard, 78, of Charleston, died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at his home. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Leard are invited to attend his funeral service at 2:00 PM, Monday December 17, 2018 at the James A. McAlister Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The burial, with military honors, will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Beaufort National Cemetery.

Born to the late James and Charlotte Leard, August 3, 1940, in Charleston, S.C. James attended James Island High School before joining the Marine Corps in 1957. He married Mary Eleanor White in 1958. The newlyweds traveled the United States and the world together before returning home to Charleston in 1978.

James served 10 years in the Marine Corps reaching the rank of sergeant. He then went on to become a mining safety engineer working in Charleston, Texas, New Mexico and Utah. Upon his final return to Charleston he started a series of businesses, notably Hooks Tackle Shop on Folly Road and Jim and Son’s Landscape Maintenance. He retired from the latter in 2008.

James was an active member of the Marine Corps League and former member and president of the Charleston Showa Koi Club. He loved traveling, fishing, boating, and spending time with friends and family.

James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, and their two children, James Joseph Leard (Allison) and Edward Christopher Leard (Connie), of Charleston. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Mary Emerson Leard and James Samuel Leard; sister Charlene (George) Campbell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved animals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PlaceMemphis, TN.