JAMES MCCLARD

James "Jim" McClard, 77, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Jan. 8, 1999, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born July 20, 1921, at Jackson to Samuel F. and Alma Franck McClard. His foster parents were Frank Proffer, Eugie Freeman and Arnie Proffer, all of Burfordsville.

He married Naomi Banks Nov. 28, 1942.

He lived at Burfordsville for many years before moving to Jackson in 1988. For the past 3 1/2 years he lived at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He had been a member of Burfordsville Baptist Church and helped build the new church after the old one had been destroyed by fire. He later joined Shawnee Hill Baptist Church, where he helped build an addition.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II for the invasions of Tarawa, Siapan, Tinian and Okinawa. He served in Najasak, Japan, during the postwar occupation.

He often lectured on his war experiences at area schools.

He worked for International Show Co. in Jackson from 1940 to 1963.

He was a member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau and the Jackson American Legion Post.

Survivors include a son, Michael McClard of Marble Hill; two daughters, Gloria Slinkard of Jackson and Beverly Loper of Gulfport, Miss.; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Two brothers and a grandson preceded him in death.

Visitation is today from 1 to 7 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, with American Legion Honor Guard services at 4 o'clock.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Epps officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.