James Daniel “J.D.” Ary was born the son of James H. Ary and Leona G. (Janes) Ary on Feb. 23, 1922, in Thayer, Mo., and departed this life July 26, 2015, in West Plains, Mo., at the age of 93 years.
He was united in marriage Aug. 2, 1941, in Salem, Ark., to Lois Fern Burr, who preceded him in death Oct. 15, 1965.
He is survived by one daughter, Melodi Lenora Orahood and husband, Herb, Thayer, Mo.; five grandchildren, Marlon Earls and wife, Marsha, Thayer, Marty Earls and wife, Jeanne, Thayer, Gaston Orahood, Dexter, Mo., Cicily Jenkins and husband, Ben, Thayer, and Brad Orahood and wife, Kayla, Thayer; eight great-grandchildren, Malori, Kristen, Alayna, Haley, August, April, Ashton and Jake; two great-great-grandchildren, Landon and Eli; one son-in-law, Davie Earls; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern Ary; one daughter, Joye Dianne Earls; an infant son, Jimmy Dale Ary; his parents, James and Leona Ary; four brothers, Lawrence, Lehman, Lloyd and Floyd Ary; and four sisters, Ola Risner, Ora Harper, Hazel Bennett and Mary Lee Parnell.
Mr. Ary was a decorated veteran, serving his country in the United States Army. He proudly served with the Tenth Armored “Tiger” Division during World War II, while earning many awards including a Purple Heart and four Bronze Stars.
J.D. grew up during the Depression and learned to value hard work in the Ozarks hills and woods. He earned his living as a logger, working for others in the logging business, and retired after owning and operating his own sawmills.
He enjoyed eating lunch and visiting with friends and neighbors at the Senior Citizens Center in Mammoth Spring. He loved his grandchildren, enjoyed attending their ballgames, and his favorite role in life was being a granddad. Most of all, J.D.’s life revolved around his entire family, always looking forward to a good game of pitch and the next family gathering.
He was a Christian and attended Cane Hill Sunday School east of Thayer for many years. He was a kind and caring man and will truly be missed by all.
Funeral services for J. D. Ary, age 93, of Thayer, Mo., were 2 p.m. today, Thursday, July 30, 2015, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Mo., with Brother Gerald Bounds officiating.
Burial was in the Arytown Cemetery, east of Thayer, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
