Born in Whitesville North Carolina 11/8/1955

To the late( Luke) and Corene Mckoy.

James, who was well known as “Leon” to many, lived life in Bridgeport CT after moving from North Carolina. He was nine of ten children. He attended Bridgeport Middle school and Bassick High for whom he played on their basketball team, graduated from and where he met his high school sweetheart, Demetria Renee Sowell of which 4 children were born. He obtained various jobs as a factory worker, mechanic, and a driver. Sikorsky and People to Places were just a couple of his employers as Leon always remained employed. He would often attend West End Tabernacle C.M.E. Church along with other churches not as a member but to receive the almighty word.

Leon was a hard worker. He enjoyed working on vehicles as a hobby but also utilized his gifted hands to make it one of his professions. He enjoyed listening to gospel music by Shirley Caesar, Reverend James Cleveland, the Mississippi mass choir and The William Brothers. He would pull you in close to hear him sing a tune by the Mighty Clouds of joys, “One of these mornings”, in his tenor singing voice and would jokingly say “I sound good huh”. He enjoyed playing basketball as he rarely passed up the opportunity for a game or two on the Father Panic Village basketball courts with the youngins. He enjoyed watching an old western flick or some good old comedy on his downtime.

Leon had a big personality. He ruled with an iron fist. He was stern within his beliefs. A stubborn man with a purpose. His laugh would echo the room after telling a joke or a story. His humor was unparalleled. Leon was a force to be reckon with, he played no games and had no problem putting you in your place. His personality was not for everyone but for those that knew the core of him loved him for being his true self. He often greeted you with a meek, “Hey, how you doing”. His hats and shades were his trade mark and a pat to his fro affirming, “ I’m that guy”!

Leon entered eternal rest on 3/26/24 in Derby Ct. Leon spent his last days in the care of his daughter Natasha surrounded by his family.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Corene Mckoy, his son Deandre “Tu Tu”, Sowell, a grandson Ezequiel Margary Jr. His seven siblings, Nathaniel, David , Daniel, Elnora, Hannah, Louise, and Ruth.

Left to continue his legacy are his four children

Andel Sowell, Tamara Hatton, Natasha Sowell, and Craig Thames.

Fifteen grandchildren- Tiana smith, Tyera Sowell, Andel Jr., Imani, Roman, Amayah and Aria Sowell, Shyrell Jones. Kayla, Fredrick and Jacob Hatton, Devyn & Deon Newton, Taniyah Bryant and Samaje Mckoy.

And six great grandchildren- Tysean,

Tahj, Taniya Smith. Jace, Carter and Crue McFarlin and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him dearly.