James Donald Beard (J.D.), 78 went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 2, 2023. He was born in Owensboro, KY on September 11, 1944, to Samuel and Margaret (Turner) Beard. J.D. retired from Daviess County School System where he worked in maintenance. In his younger years he was a horse trainer and jockey. He was a member of St. Stephens Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jody Beard, brother in laws, William Ryan & Stephen Smeathers.
He is survived by his son, James Beard, Jr, (Tammy), his siblings, Sam (Patty) Beard, Mary (Micky) Hagan, Ellen Ryan, Linda (Bob) Frakes, Agnes (Pat) Hamilton, Theresa (Steve) Teasley, Becky (Bob) Gregory, Rita Smeathers, Tom (Angie) Beard, Sister-in-law, Sheryl Beard. He was blessed with 2 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Prayer service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until time of the prayer service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of contributions to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing Owensboro, Kentucky 42301.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Beard. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of James Donald “JD” Beard and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.