James Bolin “Jim” Beard, 79, of Louisville, KY died Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the V.A. Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was born in Columbia, KY on July 30, 1942 to the late John H. and Dorothy Bailey Beard.

Mr. Beard was of the Baptist faith and retired from the U. S. Army.  He served during the Vietnam War and received many awards including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  He was a member of the VFW Post 6097 and was a Kentucky Colonel.

SURVIVORS:

1 daughter: Kim Spencer of McDonough, GA

His former wife and caregiver: Jo Osborne Beard of Louisville, KY

Former wife and mother of his children: Sandra Rowe Beard of McDonough, GA

2 step-daughters: Angela Murphy (David) of Scottsburg, IN and Carrie Allen (Ron Sidebottom) of Louisville, KY

9 grandchildren: Chad, Kelly, Corey, Blake, Adam, Katelyn, Lilly, Levi and William

6 great-grandchildren

1 sister: Peggy Nix (Eddie) of Louisville, KY

His best friend: Billy Wright of Columbia

Several nieces & nephews

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Pogue and 4 siblings: Rebecca Corbett, Sarah Strickland, Bobby Beard and Carrie Dillingham.

Funeral service: Monday, January 3, 2022 at  2:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 6097

Burial: Columbia Cemetery

Visitation: After 11:00amCT on Monday at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family request everyone attending wear a mask or face covering.