Wingate, Ind., farrier James Keith Jr. passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, after a lengthy illness. He was 74.

After graduating from Veedersburg High School in 1965, Keith attended Danville Community College.  Shortly after, he joined the United States Navy and served from 1965-69 and was stationed at Brooklyn Navy Yard on the USS Compass Island. Following his discharge, he was employed at RR Donnelley.

After training to become a farrier in July 1972, Keith established a full-time farrier and blacksmith service that thrived for 48 years. He specialized in hunters/jumpers and Standardbreds. Keith performed all of the therapeutic shoeing at Purdue University and taught Farrier Science to Purdue students in animal husbandry. He was elected and served as one of the farriers at the Pan Am games in Indianapolis in 1988.

His memberships include: Member, former president and vice president of the Indiana Farrier Association; member of the board of directors of the American Farrier’s Association; member of the Guild of Farriers Association; member of the American and International Associations of Professional Farriers. He received the Clyde Stringer Award and the Al Morgan Award from the IFA. He also belonged to Rocky Ridge Blacksmith Guild, New Richmond Masonic Lodge #604 and Crawfordsville American Legion.

He served as deacon, elder and associate minister at New Liberty Christian Church in rural Veedersburg. He traveled to Romania and Hungary with Christian Veterinary missions for many years. He also enjoyed singing, traveling to historic places with his wife Linda, reading Louis L’Amour westerns and fishing with his grandson.

Visitation hours are from 4-8 p.m. with a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at New Hope Chapel in Wingate. Military honors will lead the service by American Legion Post #72 Honor Guard. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro. Memorial contributions may be directed to New Liberty Church or mission of your choice. Please follow the recommendations of the Indiana State Board of Health in regards to COVID19. Visit familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or leave a condolence.