John Leroy McLeod, Jr., was born to Dolores Funchess and John Leroy McLeod, Sr., on November 9, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by his mother and loving step-father, Thomas Gregory, Sr. On March 2, 2015, John departed this life.

John was attending Hillcrest High School when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In 1972, he married Janice Hart and relocated to California where he was stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville, Ca. There they had their son, John. He was honorably discharged in January 1973. Upon returning to Chicago, John began a career as a successful salesman. In 1976, John and Janice had their daughter, Sherry.

John later met his beloved wife, Rose Ann, whom he married on June 6, 1982. John and Rose Ann started working for Junior Careers, a youth training and candy sales business, in 1977. Together, they impacted young adults all over the country. In 1984, while in Massachusetts, they had their daughter, Kristina. John continued working for the candy business until 1992. In 1996, John began a career in real estate and retired in 2011 due to his health.

In July 2009, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery to remove the cancer later that year. At the time, John and Rose Ann moved to San Bernardino, becoming the owners and landlords of a multi-family complex. On the day of John's passing, he was surrounded by family.

John will be remembered for his passion for knowledge and truth, his commitment to his family, and his no-nonsense demeanor. John presented himself as an honest and assertive businessman, highly intelligent and ambitious. He always kept a guest room in his homes, and most of the time, they were occupied by family or friend.

John leaves to cherish his fondest memories: his wife of 32 years, Rose Ann McLeod; mother and "best friend," Dolores Gregory; son, John N. McLeod and daughter-in-law, Roxie McLeod; daughter, Sherry Smith and son-in-law, Keith Smith; daughter Christina Spencer and son-in-law, J.R. Spencer; nephew James Sexton, whom he raised as his own; brothers, Thomas Gregory and Michael Gregory and wife Belinda Gregory; nine grandchildren Allexus, Donjsai, Janaeya, Victoriya, Viviyn, Oliviya, Justice, John, and Royal. He is survived by his aunts, Shirley Hall and husband Donald Hall, Sandy Bartlett, and Denise Stubbs; uncle, Wesley McLeod and wife Bessie McLeod, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Leroy McLeod, Sr.; step-father Thomas Gregory, Sr.; sister Valerie McLeod, and brother Anthony McLeod.