In Memory: Farrier James Kenneth Keith, Jr.

November 6, 2020

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn that farrier James Keith, Jr., of Wingate, Ind., who provided services to the College of Veterinary Medicine, passed away Friday, October 30, after a lengthy illness.  He was 74. 

A veteran who served in the United States Navy from 1965-1969, Keith began training for farrier service in 1972.  He developed a full-time farrier business and blacksmith service, which he maintained for 48 years.  Keith specialized in Hunters/Jumpers and Standardbred horses and did therapeutic shoeing at Purdue University and taught farrier science to Purdue students in animal husbandry. He also served as one of the farriers at the Pan Am games in Indianapolis in 1988.

Keith was a member and past president and vice president of the Indiana Farriers Association, and also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Farriers Association.  In addition, he was honored as a recipient of the Clyde Stringer Award and the Al Morgan Award from the Indiana Farriers Association.  

Active as a deacon, elder, and associate minister at New Liberty Christian Church in rural Veedersburg, Keith traveled to Romania and Hungary with the Christian Veterinary Mission for many years. He also belonged to Rocky Ridge Blacksmith Guild, New Richmond Masonic Lodge #604, and the Crawfordsville American Legion. 

Visitation will be held today, Friday, November 6, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a Masonic service at 8:00 p.m. at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 7 at New Hope Chapel in Wingate. Interment will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Hillsboro, Ind. The family asks that attendees follow the recommendations of the Indiana State Board of Health regarding COVID-19.  Memorial contributions may be made to the New Liberty Church or a mission of the donor’s choice. Click here to view a complete obituary and to sign the guest book or leave a condolence.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.