In Memory: Farrier James Kenneth Keith, Jr.

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

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.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.

Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.

Purdue Veterinary Student and Small Animal Surgery Resident Achieve Recognition at Major Specialty Conference

A Purdue second-year veterinary student and a third-year small animal surgery resident helped put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) this year.

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

An esteemed and dedicated Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, has announced that she will conclude her Purdue career of more than 40 years when she retires effective June 30, 2025. Her decision was shared with the college’s faculty, staff and students by Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, Wednesday (3/12).