James D Underwood

James D. Underwood, 91, of rural Metamora passed away Sunday April 15, 2012 at his residence. He was born on July 6, 1920 in rural Casey, IL the son of George W. and Tracey C. McMillan Underwood. He married G. June Hutchcraft on September 12, 1947 in Arthur, IL She passed away on November 30, 2001 in Peoria. Two brothers and three sisters also preceded him in death. Surviving are two sons Michael (Veronica) Underwood of Marquette Heights, and James "Pat" (Karen) Underwood of Groveland. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. James was a US Army WWII Army Veteran who held the rank of a First Sergeant, he joined the Army in July in 1942 and served in combat on the islands of Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougainville, Luzon Philippines in the South Pacific of Operations with Company E, 145 Infantry Regiment 37th Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Service Cross for valor and heroism in combat. He was a charter member in 1946 with the VFW Post 5762 in Casey and a current member of VFW Post 6026 in El Paso and a member of the American Legion Post #1115 in Spring Bay. He was also a member of AARP and the NRA. He spent 30 years in the Health and Life Insurance business retiring from Mutual and United of Omaha in 19080. During that time and as a means of self-improvements he was also involved in the Dale Carnegie Sales Course as an instructor in the Peoria area After his retirement he organized the first 55 alive Mature Driving Course for AARP in Peoria. He advanced to the office of Assistant State Coordinator and was responsible for over 2000 graduates of the course in Central Illinois. All efforts to this program as a volunteer. He was past president of the Health Underwriters Association of Peoria, Health Underwriters Associations of Illinois, Life underwriters Association of Peoria, Heart of Illinois Pointer and Setter Birddog Club and Field Trial Clubs of Illinois, Inc. He was a past member and Governor of the Moose Lodge #1545 in Casey, IL. He was a member and on the staff of ushers at the El Vista Baptist Church of Peoria where he was a member for many years Services will be 11am Wednesday April 18, 2012 at El Vista Baptist Church in Peoria with the Rev. Joey Watt officiating. Visitation will one-hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay with full military rites by American Legion Post #1115 of Spring Bay.