Obituary of CMSgt John Judson "Jud" Leslie, USAF

CMSgt John Judson "Jud" Leslie, USAF (Ret.), 83, died on March 16, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.John was the middle child of three sons born to Elmer John and Roxie Lee (Shouse) Leslie on February 12, 1938 in Tulare, California. John, known as Johnny in his early years, learned to bail cotton and pick crops in the fields in the Central San Joaquin Valley. By the time he was in his teens, the family moved to Ojai, California where he worked at The Apple Farm and Ojai Valley Country Club after school. He attended and played baseball at Nordhoff Union High School and graduated in 1957. Johnny became an avid LA Dodgers baseball team lover, that same year, when the team moved from Brooklyn to LA and would see many live games with his children over the years.Immediately following graduation, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon returning from boot camp, at the age of 19, John married his high school sweetheart, Betty Arlene Lemons. The two of them had three daughters, Linda DeAnn, Brinda LeAnn and Neva Arlene. Over the next fifteen years, John was stationed in Alaska; Atwater, California; the Azores, Portugal; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Panama City, Florida; and served in the Vietnam war.During these early adult years, John enjoyed bowling, square dancing, diving, and sailing. He was a member of the yacht club at Tyndall AFB. In 1972, John and Betty "Arlene" divorced. Later that same year, John, began going by the name "Jud".While stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, Jud married Mary Patricia "Ruth" Foote, Atwell, and soon after Jud would PCS back to Colorado Springs, Colorado followed by Okanawa, Japan; Philippians; and Mississippi all before his retirement. During these years, Jud enjoyed beach combing for floats, deep sea diving and square dancing. However, Jud would also spend these years getting his Master's degree in education and counseling and his doctorate degree in Education. He would also climb the ranks in the USAF as a manpower management technician. Jud retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.From 1978 to 1983, Jud would be blessed with four grandchildren, Travis, Erika, Nathaniel and Leslie. And then in 1985, Jud and Ruth would return to Okinawa, but this time Jud would follow Ruth who was a teacher with DoDs. In 1997, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer and the two of them returned the US. After her passing in 1998, Jud once again returned to Colorado Springs, the one place he called home. Jud often said that Alaska was one of the best places on Earth and Ruth was his Alaska.Over the next six years, Jud would find deep friendships within the local square dance clubs. He spent a great deal of time visiting with his children and grandchildren. He would also take several cruises, as well as, traveling back to his family's native land of Scotland taking his brothers and daughters.In 2004, Jud once again found true love, and married Raenette "Rennie" Lovell, expanding his family with in laws, whom he loved very much. He gained two step-sons, Roger and Brad and their wives and soon following he would add four more grandchildren. Jud and Rennie enjoyed square dancing, round dancing and traveling with Lovell Racing from one track to another. He began taking pictures of the race and was proud to be among the team's photographers. They always looked forward to, and enjoyed their annual winter trip in their Road House. Jud and Rennie took several cruises and traveled to China together. Jud thoroughly loved his fishing trips with his grandsons and trips to the casino with anyone who would join him to play his favorite game of 21. Jud loved to play games, such as Yahtzee, Trains and Spinner with family and friends.After battling cancer for several years, and at one time being told he had three to nine months to live, Jud was blessed with five years of being cancer free due to a new immunotherapy treatment. Sadly, Rennie's health began to suffer and in January 2021, Rennie passed away. Soon after Jud found out the cancer was back and with a vengeance. Jud lost his battle and drew his last breath on March 16, 2021.Jud was a Veteran for the United States Air Force. He is described as a man of honor. He often referred to himself as a cheap bastard, but Jud was far from cheap when it came to people. He was always ready to help just about anyone financially, as needed and he was quick to reach for the bill. Jud was full of love, hugs and a unique sense of humor that put everyone at ease. Jud is preceded death by three wives, Rennie, Ruth and Arlene; his parents, Elmer and Roxie Leslie; and older brother, Jerry Leslie.Jud is survived by his daughters, Linda DeAnn Leslie, Brinda LeAnn Peterson and Neva Arlene Leslie; his son-in-law, Lee Allen Peterson; his grandchildren, Travis Boswell, Erika McNeal, Nathaniel Rogers and Leslie & Andy Johnson; three great grandchildren Noah Boswell, Connor and Cordelia McNeal; his younger brother, Jeffery (Butch) and Barbara Leslie; including his extended family, Rennie's family, and many friends.John "Jud" Leslie will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.A public Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2021 from 2:00PM-4:00PM at the International Dance Club located at 2422 Busch Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904. The family would like to invite everyone who knew and loved John "Jud" to come and share your memories with them.A private Graveside Service will be held at 9:00AM, Monday, March 29, 2021. The service will be streamed live. The link to watch the Graveside is located on the events section under the obituary. Events Graveside Monday, March 29, 2021 9:00AM Private Service - Live Stream Available Webcast Colorado Springs, CO 80909