James Leonard Garside Jr.

James Leonard Garside Jr., age 62, of Gentry, Ark., died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Leonard was born on Jan. 3, 1951, in Platteville, Wis., the son of James Leonard Sr. and Klella Moriene (Gabbart) Garside. He graduated from Platteville High School and received his bachelor's degree in industrial arts education from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where his father was the dean of education and dean of graduates. Leonard attended the University of Arkansas where he received his master's degree in education in 1990. Leonard taught for six years in cooperative programs among schools, where he taught machine shop and building trades in Paris and Charleston, Ark. He then taught for 26 years at Gravette High School teaching building trades, workplace readiness skills, mechanical and computer aided drafting. Leonard retired from teaching in June of 2010 with 31 years of teaching experience. Leonard was known by his family and friends as "Lenny." He loved to fish for walleye on Beaver Lake, and used to sing in the choir and men's church quartet. He loved the Lord Jesus and knew Him as his personal Lord and Savior. He attended First Baptist Church in Gentry for many years and just recently became a member of Keypoint Church in Bentonville. Lenny was an avid outdoorsman who not only loved to fish and hunt but more importantly loved spending time with his family camping, boating and traveling during summer breaks. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, of almost 40 years; two daughters, Lindsey Beth (Anthony) Amason of Tahlequah, Okla., and Lori Jean (Bryan) Rooney, of Conway, Ark.; one sister, Virginia (Charles) Davis of Oshkosh, Wis.; four nieces, Kristi Baker, Kari Meszaros, Keali Winchell and Rachel Jenks; and one nephew, Corey Garside; including many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Leonard Sr. and Klella M. Garside; and brother, Robert Earl Garside. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and caregivers who have helped Leonard over the last year at Highlands Oncology Group and Circle of Life Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at Keypoint Church North, 1710 S.W. Commerce Drive, Suite 20, in Bentonville, Ark., with Pastors Casey Henagan, Chuck Davis and Terry Lansdale officiating. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark.