James Ross Leonard , 89, was surrounded by his family in Johnson City, TX  and went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, 4/9/2019.  James Ross was born on September 18, 1929 in Austin, TX.  He wanted "to live long enough to watch the Final Four Championship" on Monday and as a family we cheered Texas Tech with him. He past peacefully at home the next morning w ith family, Pastor Lee Romero, and Hospice professionals.

James Ross, affectionately known as "Coach" was a trailblazer for women's athletics in the state of Texas.  During his successful years on the court, he went to the 1977 state women's basketball  tournament finals.  He lead his Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD team to the finals and had the honor to be the first women's basketball team to go to state in the San Antonio area.  His career included coaching numerous champions in football, basketball, and track at Johnson City, Banquete, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City, and Northeast and Northside ISD's, Clark and Roosevelt High Schools

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Kittie Leonard; niece, Brenda Lambeth and nephew, Mike Pickard.  He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Yvonne Leonard; sister Jeanette Pickard (Bill); daughters, Sharon Pope (David); Janice Fox (Larry Balko); Teresa Leonard; grandchildren, Chuck Schuetz (Katie); Vanessa Fox-Norton (Jason); Jimmy Fox (Andrea); Randa Pope; great-grandchildren, Hailey Fox, Haden Fox, Travis Norton, Jacob Norton, Siena Schuetz, Evelyn Schuetz, David Herold; and nieces and nephews, Will Pickard (Gina); Lori Letcher (Trey); and Shelly Pickard.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, 4/11/19, 5-7pm at Croft-Crow Funeral Home, Johnson City, Texas.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, 4/12/19, 11am at Croft-Crow Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at the Johnson City Masonic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cherokee Home for Children, PO Box 295, Cherokee, TX. 76832 or First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 207, Johnson City, TX. 78686.

Special appreciation to Hill Country Memorial Hospice, Fredericksburg, Texas and a heartfelt thanks to Desiree,  Eddie, Teresa, and William.

His Irish roots gave him a great sense of humor by always having a story, joke, or prank.  He influenced generations of children and will be remembered with love and gratefulness by his unconditional acceptance, love, and wisdom.  His strength to support his family and friends by always being present with encouragement, guidance, and caring.  He will be with us in the next room (Heaven).