James Edward “Jim” Carrier, 95, Harwood, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2021, Kansas City, KS. Jim was born Sept. 2, 1926, in Strong City, KS. He moved to Harwood when he was 12 years old, where he met Martha Waggoner. They married in 1944, and were married for 63 years until her passing in 2007.

Jim served our country admirably with a 28-year military career that spanned multiple countries and operations. Jim first enlisted in the US Army in 1944, in the midst of World War II and served in the liberation of the Philippines. Next, Jim served in the occupation of Japan, where he conducted door-to-door disarmament.

After the end of the war, Jim returned to Harwood for a short time, but soon re-enlisted in the newly formed Air Force. His contributions were significant.  He was stationed in England during the Berlin Airlift, served in the Korean War and worked as an intelligence analyst during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Virginia.  Later, Jim was stationed in Saigon during the Vietnam War and then was assigned to duty in Ramstein, Germany.  Other locations Jim was located during his career included South Dakota, New York, Washington, D.C. and Alaska. During his career, Jim received the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Award among other honors.  He retired in 1972 as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Despite these world travels, Harwood was always home to Jim and Martha, and they returned after his military service. Jim enjoyed family, friends, gardening, hunting, fishing and, of course, his dogs.  Jim and Martha served the Harwood community in many ways including through their life-long memberships in the United Methodist Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha; parents; siblings; son, Dr. James D. Carrier; and grandson, Tristan Carrier.

Jim is survived by sons, Dr. Gary (Becky) Carrier, and Bill (Mary) Carrier; daughter-in-law, Connie Carrier; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation services will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the United Methodist Church in Rockville. with burial at Green Mound Cemetery, Harwood with Military Honors.  Thereafter, lunch will be served at Rockville United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Fair Haven Park, Green Mound Cemetery, or a charity of your choice throughBland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.

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