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.
