Cannard

James Cannard, 87, of Chicora died at 8:55 p.m. Thursday at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following an illness.

He was born Jan. 25, 1923, in Danville, Pa., the son of the late Sidney G. Cannard and the late Frances Hiatt Cannard.

He was a graduate of Buckner University where he received a bachelor's in biology. He then graduated from Penn State University where he received a second bachelor's in botany.

He was a nursery inspector and worked for Eislers Nursery in Prospect and for Agway in Butler for many years.

Mr. Cannard was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran who served his country from 1943 to 1945, and achieved the rank of first lieutenant.

He was a bombardier serving in Germany and was a POW during World War II. He was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Medal with three battle stars; the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Air Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster; and a Purple Heart.

He served on the Chicora Borough Council for more than 30 years, worked at the Board of Elections in Chicora for many years and was a member of the Chicora Senior Center where he delivered Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years.

Mr. Cannard is survived by one daughter, Amy Bole and her husband, Chris, of Butler; three sons, Jay Cannard of Chicora, Chris Cannard of Chicora and Jon Cannard of Pittsburgh, and a number of nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his wife, June McReary Cannard, who he married Aug. 31, 1946. She died April 7, 2001. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family, preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

<B>CANNARD</B> — There will be no viewing or visitation for James Cannard, who died Thursday, July 1, 2010. Private services and burial will be at the convenience of his family. Cremation services will be provided by <B>STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME</B>, 111 E. Slippery Rock and Main streets in Chicora.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of James Cannard to the Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001.For more information or to extend condolences to his family, go to www.steighnerfuneralhome.com.