James Daniel “J.D.” Ary was born the son of James H. Ary and Leona G. (Janes) Ary on February 23, 1922, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on July 26, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 93 years.
He was united in marriage on August 2, 1941, in Salem, Arkansas, to Lois Fern Burr, who preceded him in death on October 15, 1965.
He is survived by one daughter, Melodi Lenora Orahood and husband, Herb of Thayer, Missouri; five grandchildren, Marlon Earls and wife, Marsha of Thayer, Marty Earls and wife, Jeanne of Thayer, Gaston Orahood of Dexter, Missouri, Cicily Jenkins and husband, Ben of Thayer, and Brad Orahood and wife Kayla of 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 Ozark 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 Mr. Ary will be held Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri, with Brother Gerald Bounds officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home in Thayer on Thursday afternoon, July 30th, from 1:00 PM until service time.
Burial will be in the Arytown Cemetery, East of Thayer, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.