Jerome "Jim" Palmer Leegard Jr.

Jerome "Jim" P. Leegard, Jr, 71, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Oak Crossing, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Jim was born on May 3, 1943, the son of Jerome and Marjorie (Britton) Leegard Sr. in Detroit Lakes. He was raised and educated in Detroit Lakes. As a young man, Jim enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1963. Jim was united in marriage to Sharon Brahmer on May 22, 1965 at Lund Lutheran Church, rural Detroit Lakes. He worked at Twin City Construction for a few years prior to starting his career with MNDOT. Jim retired from the Minnesota National Guard after twenty-three years of service. He continued with his career at MNDOT working as a foreman on the striping crew, maintenance and operating a snow plow until his retirement in 2002. Jim was a member of Richwood Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 15 and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon Leegard of Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Scott (Dawn) Leegard of Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter, Julie Berger of Moorhead, MN; three grandchildren, Ashley Leegard, Ryan Leegard and Ava Berger; his loyal companion, Mocha. Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hilder and Edna Dallum, parents, sister, Laurie Greenland, loyal companion, Tessie.