Col. James H. Pierce

Colonel James H. Pierce, US Army Retired, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio passed away March 25, 2013 at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth Ann Pierce, loving companions, Catherine Metcalf and Bonnie Pannell and daughter-in-law, Linda Lundfelt. He is survived by his step-son, Robert Lundfelt Jr. (Sharon Sellitto).

James was born and raised in San Francisco, California. He attended and graduated with honors from the University of San Francisco in 1951. Having received a Regular Army Commission from ROTC, he joined the military service and served on active duty in Korea. Later assignments were at the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, OK where he attended Artillery School and was an instructor in the Department of Tactics and Combined Arms. Next assignment was in Italy where he commanded an Honest John Rocket Battery and a Corporal Missile Battery. He then attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS in 1960. He was later assigned to Fort Sill, OK where he was promoted to the rank of Major. Next assignments were at Fort Polk, LA where he directed Basic Combat Training. He then moved to Fort Carson, CO where he was promoted to Lt. Colonel and activated and commanded a Heavy Artillery Battalion. From there he was assigned to the Pentagon where he was appointed to the Army General Staff. This was followed by assignment to Vietnam where he took command of the 6/14 Field Artillery Battalion and was Deputy Commander of the 52nd Field Artillery Group. His next and last assignment was at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Here he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and served as Deputy Director Army Missile Test and Evaluation Directorate. Awards received during 23 years of active service included: Two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star (1st and 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) and Nine Air Medals.

In Jim’s later years, he served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Ann’s Hospital, a greeter at Schoedinger Funeral Service and a volunteer at Canine Companions. He also served as president of his condo association for several years. When Jim was asked to do a job, you knew it would be done right.

Family will receive friends 5-8pm Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43232. Funeral Service 10am Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel, located on the grounds of St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High St., Lockbourne, Ohio, 43137 with military honors; Andrew Hoover, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Canine Companions, 4989 Ohio 37, Delaware, OH 43015, an organization near and dear to Jim’s heart.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!