Leonard Hand

Leonard James “Jim” Hand, Jr. passed away on January 1st, 2020 in Oklahoma City at the age of 70.  Jim was born on November 7, 1949 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Leonard James and Geneva Kathleen (Rippee) Hand.

Jim grew up in the Ponca City area attending the Ponca City Public School system.  He is fondly remembered as a quiet man with a warm smile but could also be ornery with his sharp sense of humor.

A craftsman at heart with an unmatched work ethic Jim began his career in the construction industry shortly after leaving school. His high attention to detail made starting out as a concrete finisher a perfect fit. This humble beginning was the path way to him laying a strong foundation not only for many of the buildings you see in Ponca today, but in his family and in Christ. Jim spoke with his actions and you can see the fruits of those actions all around us. In his craftsmanship that will stand the test of time. In the lives of the men that worked with him. All of us that learned from him will pass down those teachings for many years to come.

As Jim’s career developed professionally, he co-owned his own concrete construction business for many years before moving onto custom cabinetry. His work is enjoyed by families in many homes in the Kay County area. Later in his career, he was employed as a superintendent for many large commercial construction projects. You would be hard pressed to journey a mile in this community without finding Jim’s work. Whether it be a school, a church, an office, a house, a family, or person. In countless ways Jim left his mark on this community and touched lives in a way we only hope to imitate. His lengthy and distinguished career came to an end in July 2018 due to health reasons. Lesser men would have stopped working well before that date, but if it wasn’t for his health Jim would have never stopped working. Jim loved what he did and took pride in doing things the right way.

In 1980 Jim moved from Ponca City to Blackwell, it was here that he met Brenda Kay Martin.  The two were married on September 3, 1982 and enjoyed 37 years of marriage.  He was a member of The Tabernacle Church of Blackwell. He was also a member of the NRA.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife; Brenda Hand of the home, sons; Jim Hand, Larry Hand, Richard Hand, Donnie Hand and wife Jessica, Scotty Hand, daughter; Jamie and husband Anthony Chaney, grandchildren; Melissa and husband Ben Bryan, Jessica and husband Taylor Brown, Drake Chaney, AJ Chaney, Ava Chaney, Parker Chaney, Noah Hand, Elijah Hand, Jeremiah Hand and Noah Clinkenbeard, great granddaughter; Emerson Rae Brown. A sister; Anna and husband Wes Fields, nephew; Billy Soles and wife Traci, niece; Amy and husband Brad Loney. Jim is preceded in death by his father; Leonard James Hand, Sr., his mother; Geneva K. Rippee Hand Gildhouse, step-father; Dewey Gildhouse and daughter; Kathleen Hand.

Jim’s visitation will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, January 7th and 8th, from 11am to 8pm each day at Grace Memorial Chapel, 2016 N 14th St, Ponca City.  His Funeral Service will be conducted at 2pm on Thursday, January 9th, at The Tabernacle Church of Blackwell, 1013 N 9th St, Blackwell with Pastor Cliff Johnson and Pastor Robert O. Johnson presiding.  Jim will be buried at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, off Joe Colby Road, Ponca City.  The Casket Bearers for Jim will be; Anthony Chaney, Ben Bryan, Dave Baur, Floyd Jones, Ross Kyler, Steve Westbrook.

Words of encouragement and messages of condolence may be left online at www.gracememorialchapel.net.  Services are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.