James “Rock” Alan Gard, 65, Vincennes, passed away Monday, December 28, 2015 at Good Samaritan Hospital. James was born October 21, 1950, in Vincennes, the son of James Edward Gard and Doris (Combs) Klasinski. He was a 1968 graduate from Central Catholic High School. He worked at Bill Bobe’s Pizzeria in high school where he earned the nickname Rock. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, VFW Post 1157, American Legion Post 73, and Disables American Veterans. He served in the United States AirForce during Vietnam.
James is survived by his father, James Gard and step-mother, Barbara of Palmetto, FL; sisters, Ellyn Ray of Evansville, Gail (Donnie) Foster of Vincennes, and Jean Ann (Michael) Mathew of Indianapolis; brother, John Gard of Lakeland, FL; nieces and nephews, Natalie Yochum of Vincennes, Sean Plake of Vincennes, Jennifer Brewington of Vincennes, Ryan Ray of Vincennes, Valerie Ray of Myrtle Beach, SC, Amanda Brophy of Indianapolis, Meghan Foster of Vincennes, and Victoria Gard of Lakeland, FL; and several great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Leo Klasinski.
There will be a memorial service held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home Vincennes Chapel, 313 Church St. with Father Dave Fleck officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 AM until time of service also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.fredrickandson.com.