James Richard Conard

MI) died the morning of March 24, 2021 in Killeen, TX, where he resided.

Jim was a transracial adoptee who learned about his Chippewa heritage later in life. He was a

U.S. Army veteran, serving first in Vietnam. He then had a tour of duty in South Korea where he

met his wife, Myong Ok, who preceded him in death. They had three daughters: Jane Marie

(who passed away in 1971), Tammy Sue, and Kim Lou. His career in Army food service spanned

24 years until he retired, and then he spent nearly another 20 years with the U.S. Postal Service.

He loved his family, and he taught his daughters how to fish at Lake Belton and how to clean

those fish, how to cook meals big enough to serve a battalion, and how to never give up. Jim,

affectionately known as Paw Paw, was a doting grandfather who loved spoiling his

grandchildren Jacob, Phoebe, and Aila.

Jim grew up in Wyoming, MI, and enjoyed playing baseball when he was a boy. He grew up in

an era of cars with tailfins, and he became quite the mechanic. He liked to tell tales of driving

across Michigan in a ’57 Chevy with his greaser hair and leather jacket. As a teenager, he spent

time “up north” working with a lumber company and picking apples.

Jim had a booming voice and looked gruff but had a soft side. He could chat up his grandkids

about Daniel Tiger and Thomas the Tank Engine. He loved his dogs Lilly and Bubbles and would

sneak them chicken nuggets while complaining about their sharp toenails. He checked in with

his friends daily and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He would call in the same

McDonald’s order every morning and drive to pick it up. He could also put an all-you-can-eat

buffet out of business. He embraced his wife’s Korean culture, learning the language and

devouring the food—practically an honorary Korean. He, like many during these times, figured

out how to use Zoom so he could interact with his children and grandchildren until he could see

them again.

Jim was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians. He gave up Catholicism

years ago and was member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and Kingdom Builders

Christian Center, and he looked forward to the time he could safely return to in-person

worship. Jim is now at peace and with his wife again.

The family will hold a private funeral, and a Memorial Service will take place once it is safe to do

so. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite animal shelter or humane society.