McCreary, James Irvin

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

James Irvin McCreary, 86, of Plain City, formerly of East Liberty, passed away peacefully after an extended illness Wednesday morning, April 7, 2010, at the Gables of Green Pastures in Marysville.

He was born Feb. 9, 1924, to Ansel Ernest and Stella Ethel (Schooley) McCreary in Kirkersville, living most of his childhood in Johnstown.

He graduated from Allen Center High School in 1943.

Veteran of the United States Army during World War II with the 127th Inf. Reg., 32nd Division in the Philippines, Luzon and Japan. He was proud to serve his country during World War II, being one of the first to go into occupied Japan.

After returning home from the war, he worked at Harding Machine in East Liberty. He also owned a dairy farm and Duroc hog farm near Raymond. He retired from O. M. Scott Co. in Marysville after 18 years of service.

He joined the family of Big Darby Baptist Church in 1973 and was baptized by immersion in the Big Darby Creek July 17, 1977. He was blessed to have served on a mission trip to El Salvador in 1978. He so enjoyed the devoted love of the Onechanmy children from Laos. They were neighbors for many years and will be cherished adopted grandchildren forever.

Jim loved to garden and would spend hours in the field. With his sons, Jimmy and John, he planted wonderful memories.

He was a kind, generous man who responded to the love of his Lord, and the love of others.

Preceded in death by brother, Thomas McCreary; sister, Norma Wilson; adopted granddaughter, Lamphenh Onechanmy Ngok; brother-in-law, Frederick Neely.

Survived by loving wife, Marjorie (Adams) McCreary whom he married Nov. 3, 1972 in Urbana, Illinois; sons, James Melvin McCreary of East Liberty, Joseph (Vera) McCreary of East Liberty, Jeffrey McCreary of Marysville, John (Lori) McCreary of Marysville; daughter, Joyce (Dan) Bushong of West Liberty; stepsons, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Brown of East Liberty, Rod Brown of Plain City; four grandchildren; three adopted grandchildren, Lamphao (Justin) Johnson, and their daughter Lyla, Lamphanh, David Onechanmy; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Frank (Alice) of Irwin; sisters, Faye (Richard) Ellingwood of Bonita Springs, Florida, Ruth (Charles) Bennett of East Liberty; sister-in-law, Charlotte McCreary; good friends, Frank Lee and Lutrelle Boerger; cousin, Cindy (Rev. Larry) Wagner; a loving church family, and caring workers at the Gables, especially Judy and Goldie.

The family received friends from 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 9, at FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 202 E. Main St. (state Route 161 W.), Plain City. Celebration of Jim’s Life was held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, with one hour visitation prior at Big Darby Baptist Church, 6921 Plain City-Georgesville Road, Plain City. Pastor George Miller officiated. Full Military Honors were conducted by the Union County Honor Guard. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date at Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Big Darby Baptist Church.

Visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to the sign guest book or share a special memory.