James Ard

James Ard, 84Sun City West resident James U. Ard died July 9, 2008 in Lawton, Okla.Mr. Ard was born Feb. 9, 1924 in Kansas City, Kan., to Owen and Margaret (Campbell) Ard. He grew up in Lee's Summit, Mo., and graduated from high school in 1941. He joined the United States Army Ordnance Corps Nov. 3, 1942 and served in World War II.While serving in the military, he married Bettie Moore Feb. 19, 1943. After honorably discharged from the Army Feb. 16, 1946 he began work at General Motors Industries, starting in the Kansas City, Kan., plant and working in many other plants including Atlanta, Ga., and South Gate, Calif., where he retired in 1981 after 45 years of service as a production superintendent.While working at General Motors, he received his master's degree in engineering. He and Mrs. Ard then moved to Ramona, Calif., and then later retired to Sun City West.They were avid golfers and Mr. Ard worked in the pro golf shop in Sun City. Mrs. Ard died in August 2005 and Mr. Ard came to Lawton, Okla., in August 2007 to be near his brother and sister-in-law. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lawton and was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Sun City West. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jamee Ard and Paul F. Mueller of New York; his brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Jane Ard of Lawton; and his cousin, Newell Wade Wall and his wife, Barbara, of Pinckney, Mich.He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Margaret Ard; his wife, Bettie; his daughter, Retta Ard; and his sister, Ann Mulligan. Memorial service were conducted July 12.Memorial contributions can be made to the Giddy Up "N" Go Inc., 7205 SE Bishop, Lawton, OK 73501, or to a charity of the donor's choice.