James (Jim) Kent Leslie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Kent Leslie, 75, on October 20, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, whose kindness, quick wit, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born December 3, 1949, in Clovis, New Mexico to Kent and Audrey Leslie. The family moved to Carlsbad, NM before he started school and he graduated from Carlsbad Senior High School in 1967. He later attended classes at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque as well as a trade school where he studied engineering. Jim had a deep connection with his family. He had one sister, Kay Leslie Tigert, with whom he shared a close and loving relationship throughout his life.

Jim lived a life full of passion and determination. While most of us struggle to find our purpose in life, Jim knew from a very young age that his passion was to make music. Music was an integral part of who he was throughout his life. He was a legend of songwriting, storytelling, musical talent, wisdom and humor. He was a teacher, an engineer, a prolific wordsmith, a loving dad, and a devoted and romantic husband.

Jim was a bassist who played in the pocket, even better, he was a south paw lead guitarist. He toured Europe, Australia and the United States. He was known for giving credit to fellow musicians, nodding thanks or acknowledgement. He was always cool, no matter how big the star he met or played with, he was always Jim

Jim was a story teller with innumerable stories of growing up, his family and of famous talents on the scene in LA and Austin, many he had played with or met through years of touring, songwriting or from working at NBC. One of his natural gifts was his ability to recall a performance or sound check; describing body language, mannerisms and reciting exactly what was said on stage or in interactions in vivid detail. Hearing Jim tell it was being the fly on the wall.

In 2012, Jim reunited with a high school sweetheart, Mary Fleming, via Facebook after fifty years apart. From that point they were inseparable and shared an obvious mutual deep love, commitment and respect. In the presence of their respective children, the couple married on November 30, 2013.

Jim had three children. Richie Levinsen, Mandee Leslie Garen and Summer Briley Tyler. Richie preceded him in death. His love for Richie and grief for his loss of his son continued throughout Jim’s life.

His daughters Summer Briley and Mandee Leslie were the lights of his life. He was a loving and devoted father who dedicated his life to making sure they knew how much he loved them both.

Though Jim is no longer with us, his light will continue to shine in the memories and stories we share and in the music he left for us. His loving nature, laughter, quick-witted one-liners, and unforgettable, impeccably timed “ha-ha” impersonation of Nelson Muntz from the television series “The Simpsons” will forever echo in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Jim will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Fleming Leslie, daughters, Mandee Garen (Max) of Long Beach, California, Summer Tyler (Trevor) of Fullerton, California, granddaughter, Hannah Levinsen, grandson, Everest Tyler, and sister, Kay Tigert (John) and nieces and nephews who will continue to honor him and his legacy by living with the same love and compassion that he exemplified every day. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Kent Leon Leslie, his mother, Audrey Louise Leslie and his son, Rich Levinsen.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held both virtually and on-site. Further details will be provided when plans have been finalized.