SFC (Ret) James Daniel LaMar

September 22, 1933 - August 4, 2014

SFC (Ret) James Daniel LaMar, son of the late Richard Lynch and Elizabeth (Fizer) LaMar, was born September 22, 1933 in Irona, West Virginia where he grew up and attended school. As a young man, James enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement after 22 ½ years of service. He received several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Drill Sergeant Instructor Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal w/V Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal 2/60 Device, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal w/1Silver Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Bars (4) and Bronze Star Medal w/1st Oak Leaf Cluster. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. In December 1971, James became stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. After his retirement, he decided to remain in the area and has served in the Waynesville area. He worked at Boys Town from 1978-1991 and at Piney Ridge from 1991-1996. He became involved with the Waynesville Senior Center and delivered home bound meals from 2004-2009. For a time he drove a cab and also an ice cream truck. James furthered his education and he was very proud of the fact. He attended Columbia College and graduated in 1978 and then received his Masters in Human Services and Counseling and Human Relations from Webster University. In his spare time, James enjoyed going hunting with his good friends Harold Hinkle and Jim Agan. He played the guitar and loved country music. He enjoyed country music so much that he and some fellow musicians used to play and sing for the boys at Boys Town trying to get the boys to like country music. His daughter would sit and listen to Jim play and sing for hours. He passed his musical talents on to Daniel, his grandson. James was a lifetime member of the Francis J Lynch VFW #3168 of Laquey, Disabled American Veterans #49 of St. Robert and the American Legion of Richland. James passed away Monday, August 4, 2014 in the St. James Veterans Home of St. James, Missouri having attained the age of 80 years, 10 months and 13 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. James leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter: Twila Sue Cade of Olathe, KS; one grandchild: Daniel (Angie) Cade of Lee’s Summit, MO; two great grandchildren: Ashley and Nathan of Lee’s Summit, MO; one sister: Doris Jean Nelder of Lisbon, Ohio; and nephew: Kevin Nelder of Waynesville. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by six brothers: Richard, Charles, Hubert, Harold, Robert, and Paul LaMar; and five sisters: Nellie Spears, Virginia LaMar, Kathleen Forth, Ruth Sarver and Louise Wiley.