James B. Bussard, of Bank Street in East Liverpool, passed away at the age of 95 at the East Liverpool City Hospital, at 5:56 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2014.

Born on August 13, 1919 in Dayton, PA, he was a son of the late Alton and Grace Bussard. He had worked at Crucible Steel from 1942 until his retirement in 1982, with the exception of the time he spent serving with the U.S. Army during World War II. A proud American, he had been a part of the 26th Infantry “Yankee” Division of the Massachusetts National Guard before the war, arriving in Europe in August 1944, where he was also involved in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart twice for his service.

Mr. Bussard was a member for over 50 years of the following organizations: the Free and Accepted Masons Riddle Lodge #315, East Liverpool, Accent Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Steubenville, the Al Koran Shrine of Cleveland, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post #374, and the Chrystal Chapter of the Eastern Star. He was also a longtime member of Campground Community Church.

Surviving him at home is his wife of 73 years, Frances R. Walter Bussard, whom he married on October 28, 1941.

Also surviving are three daughters: R. Elaine Smith of Lowell, MI; Sally A. Baker of East Liverpool; and M. Kim Montgomery, also of East Liverpool.

There are five grandsons: Christopher Baker and his wife, Rebecca, of Grand Rapids, MI; James E. Smith and his wife, Betsy, also of Grand Rapids; Eric Baker and his wife, Mandy, of East Liverpool; Ryan Montgomery and his wife, Amy, of Baton Rouge, LA; and Mark Montgomery and his companion, Lacey Kuylen, also of Baton Rouge.

Five great-grandchildren survive as well: Tyner J. Smith and Bronwen Smith of Grand Rapids; and Gracie, Emma and Claire Baker of East Liverpool. There is also a brother, Wendell S. Bussard of East Liverpool, as well as a special family friend, Bonnie Weststrate of Lowell, MI.

Friends may visit Tuesday afternoon and evening at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Rev. Tom Adkins of the church will conduct a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Masonic Lodge will conduct a service at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Burial will be at Columbiana County Memorial Park, where the Tri-State Veterans Burial Group will provide full military honors.

Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center for fellowship.

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