John Mark Leary

John Mark Leary, the sixth child and third son of James Leary, Jr. and Margaret Leary Brown, was born on April 5, 1958, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed away peacefully at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Galtier Health Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. John joined Cross Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at a young age. In later years in Little Rock, he united with Second Baptist Church, and worked with the tape outreach ministry. John loved family and music and sports. He excelled as an athlete, playing football during his high school years and showing tremendous strength when playing tennis and hitting a tennis ball. He was a terrific swimmer, dancer on roller skates and cook. He also had a wonderful bass singing voice. After graduating from Metropolitan Vo-Tech School, John enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for four years. He worked several years as a licensed healthcare worker and cook. Upon relocating to St. Paul, Minnesota in June 2009, John was amazed by the beauty, the caring people and the weather there. Before his decline, he was happy to give back to others, and he enjoyed spending time with friends and having long phone conversations with family. During his decline and hospice stay, he was a patient who never complained. The doctors, nurses, social workers and other staff members responsible for his care, acknowledged his as a "sweet" man. In a mumbled tone during phone calls, he would tell family members he was doing fine and that he loved them. One could feel the love. John's infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His loving survivors include: Barbara Leary Smith (sister) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Muhsin Hasan (brother) and Robyn Leary Abdullah (sister) of North Little Rock, Arkansas; James Leary, III (brother) and Iris Esinam Leary (sister) of Los Angeles, California; Laurie Candice "Candi" (Bruce) Weedman (sister) of Seattle, Washington; Kim Smith (Scott) Watters (niece) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Elaine Smith (niece) of Atlanta, Georgia; Trudy Taylor (niece) of Los Angeles, California; Vincent Smith (nephew) and Maryam Ballard (niece) of North Little Rock, Arkansas; Dr. Patricia McGraw, special cousin of Little Rock, Arkansas; many grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. The family sincerely appreciates the staff at Galtier Health Center and Heartland Hospice in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the extraordinary care shown their loved one and the courteous, gentle treatment of family members. A better day, may it dawn tormorrow.