Brown Family Funeral Home @ the Expressway
James Leo a Fan of Pepsi, the Longhorns, and all genres of music and film, James Alexander Leo passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the age of 81. Born August 30, 1941, in Zapata, TX, James began a life of service at a young age as he helped his father, Leo J. Leo, in his La Joya business and political career. James attended the University of Texas at Austin and continued as a huge supporter of the Burnt Orange throughout his life. For over 32 years he served his country as a foreign service officer with USAID, which was attached to the State Department and administered aid to other countries. His role in procuring housing, furniture, vehicles and offices for personnel was critical to the overseas missions, and he was known for his ability to get things done despite highly bureaucratic environments. James's sheer heart and respect for other cultures earned him admiration in his organization and across the continents, and his legacy can still be felt where he served in at least 14 countries, including Thailand, El Salvador, Honduras, India, and Russia.
James is survived by his wife, Lydia Leo; daughter, Terry Gontarek (David); son Leo J Leo, III (Kim); daughter-in-law Cheryl Leo; grandchildren Rachel Willis (Jonathan); Ryan Leo; Monica Pipenger (Colten); Madison Gontarek, and Ryleigh Leo; brothers Henry Leo, Leo J. Leo, Jr; sister Nellie Eastman; and a large and loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Feliz Leo; brother William Leo; and son Kenneth Leo. James and his sense of humor, innate kindness, and inexhaustible stories of his times abroad will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Brown Family Funeral Home Chapel, 701 E. Expressway 83, Mission, TX with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. All services will conclude at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Midshipman's Foundation, Kenneth J. Leo Scholarship Fund, 3128 Burks Lane, Austin, TX 78732, or visit the website utnrotcalum.org and click on the Give tab, Ways to Give drop-down, then Make a Tribute Gift Donation.
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