James M. Curry Sr.

James M. Curry, Sr., 84, of Liberty, died Thursday, October 11, 2012 at Sycamore Springs Nursing Home, Liberty, where he had been a residence for several months. Jim was born in Franklin, March 31, 1928 to Arthur and Jenny “Lois” Watkins Curry. He was a 1947 graduate of Union High School in College Corner where he was a member of the varsity basketball team all four years and played baseball and softball. On September 4, 1948, Jim was married in Greensburg by his grandfather, Rev. Wilbur Watkins, to the former Lorraine Elizabeth Unger. Jim owned and operated a hog farm in Union County where he helped develop a pathogen free swine program. In 1975, he founded a successful pet food company, King of Sports Dog Food, the preferred dog food of Beauregard of Hee Haw fame. He enjoyed bluegrass music and had lots of pets, including raccoons, ducks and dogs. Every spring since 1970, Jim went mushrooming in Gaylord, Michigan. Jim’s love of basketball continued throughout his life, especially as a fan of Larry Bird. For five years, he coached Union County Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Richmond and was known for his good sense of humor and bright smile. Jim is survived by his children and their spouses: Bill Curry, David Curry and Carla, Jimmy Curry and Becky, all of Liberty; Vickie Cox and David of Connersville, Lois Ann Baumer and Lou of Fountain City; his brothers: Wilbur Curry of West College Corner, Larry Curry and his wife, Dorothy of Connersville; his sister: Helen Greeson and her husband, Tom of Williamsburg; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and his special friend, Wanda Logan of Richmond. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his wife of over 53 years who died February 21, 2001; an infant sister: Laura Faye Curry; his brother: Nelson Curry; and two sons-in-law: Rick Widau and Dan Poe. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty with Pastor David Fields of the Mt. Pleasant Community Church officiating. Interment will follow in New Fairfield Cemetery, Sims Sections in Franklin County. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday where memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Richmond or the Union County Cancer Society. For additional information or to send condolences or memories, please visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com