James Leonard Tarrant, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Leonard Tarrant, Jr, “Leonard”, of Ocean Springs, MS.  He was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully passed away in the early hours of June 11, 2023.  Leonard’s life was dedicated to his family, Church, and community.    

Leonard was born on May 5, 1943, in Biloxi, MS where he graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1961.  After graduation, Leonard served in the U.S. Navy and the Reserves.  He volunteered for the St. Alphonsus Parish’s Catholic Youth Organization where he met his wife of 54 years, Anne.  Leonard worked for Ingalls over 35 years as an Alignment Engineer.  After leaving Ingalls he continued working for St. Alphonsus Catholic School for another 16 years, before completely retiring in 2015. 

Outside of work, Leonard was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.  For many years, he served as Grand Knight for Council 5654 in Ocean Springs, MS.  In keeping with the charitable spirit of the Knights of Columbus, Leonard dedicated much of his time to volunteer coaching youth sports and many other community service projects around the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

He was preceded by his parents, James Leonard Tarrant, Sr and Marie Lodiska Gleeson Tarrant; his grandmother, Rose Marie Gleeson Rusk; his sisters, Margaret Joan Tarrant and Jacqueline Ann Tarrant.

He is survived by his spouse, Anne Benezue Tarrant of Ocean Springs; his 6 children, Tonya Tarrant of Biloxi, Lennie Tarrant of Ocean Springs, Gerard Tarrant(Alicia) of Biloxi, Kevin Tarrant(Frances) of Gulfport, Aimee Kelleher(Brian) of Wylie, TX,  and Katie Tarrant of Ocean Springs; his grandchildren, Aidan Tarrant, Brennan Tarrant, Annabelle Tarrant, and Baileigh Joy Tarrant of Biloxi, Brendan Kelleher, Donovan Kelleher, Allison Kelleher, Colleen Kelleher, Harvey Kelleher, Josephine Kelleher, and Hanorah Kelleher of Wylie, TX, Jacob Cobb and Grant Cobb of Monroe, LA, and Gracie Cobb of Gulfport; his great grandchildren, Mabry Cobb of Monroe, LA and River Cobb of Gulfport; his siblings, Sr. Jacqueline Tarrant of Mobile and Frank Tarrant(Jo Ann) of Biloxi; and his beloved pets, Sweetpea and Calypso.

In Lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to St. Vincent de Paul, St. Alphonsus. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 12 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Burial will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Mr. James Leonard Tarrant, Jr.