James W. Friend Sr.

FRIEND, COLONEL JAMES W., Sr., U.S. Army Retired, died Saturday, September 28, 2002, at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida after a long illness. His son, James W. Friend, Jr., and his wife, moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, from Houston, Texas, so that James could care for his father daily and was at his bedside at the time of Colonel Friend's death, Colonel Friend is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he majored in Commerce and Engineering and graduated as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. His 42-year career was a combination of the National Guard, the Army Reserves and Regular Army; during World War II he served as company and battalion commander for four years, in the Korean War he served as assistant Chief of Staff. After Korea he served with distinction in highly sensitive positions at the Pentagon and with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Shape-NATO, in Paris, France. He was a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College, The Adjutant General's School, The British 38 (Welsh) Commando School, and many other schools. His military honors include the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, Army Commendation, European Caign with five caign Stars and many other medals and awards, including a Presidential Unit Citation. Colonel Friend was called upon to be among those who witnessed the Atomic Bomb Testing and was a member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans as well many other military, civilian clubs and organizations. In combat while German aircraft attacked his unit, he and some of the soldiers dived under a jeep. He had been wounded by shrapnel and was awarded the Purple Heart. However, being a highly religious and ethical person he turned down the acceptance of the Purple Heart, stating 'my wounds are not severe enough compared to wounds other soldiers have sustained for me morally to accept this award.' After his retirement, Colonel Friend once again went to work for the Army, The Kentucky Department of Army, serving as an advisor to three generals. It is said by Senior Army Officers, NCO'S and enlisted men as well as friends, 'Colonel Friend is a true officer and gentleman of the highest moral character.' Colonel Friend was to receive his next promotion to General, but he would not accept the new rank. If Colonel Friend had accepted the rank of General, it meant serving as an advisor to generals at the White House. He informed his commanding officer 'I am not a politician, I am a soldier.' Instead he was assigned to the Pentagon. Colonel Friend is survived by his son, James W. Friend, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Mary Friend, both of Ormond Beach, FL; granddaughter, Vivian Montero of Houston, TX; grandsons, Otto and Angelo Montero of Houston, TX; cousin and husband, Louise and Quenton Weiman of Lexington, KY; second cousins, Barbara Walters of Flemingsville, KY, John Hutchinson of Ownesville, KY; Robert Hutchinson, MD of Seffner, FL; best friend from childhood, Billy Bob Engle of Lexington, KY; Ormond Beach friend Joe Ottenstein and attorney Dan Wallace and his wife June who are good and loyal friends. Special recognition goes to Denny Chambers of Ormond Beach who drove Colonel Friend to the hospital at 3AM one March morning which saved his life. Funeral Services for Colonel Friend will be held Saturday, October 5, 2002 at 2PM in the Chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home in Millersburg, KY. Interment at Millersburg Cemetery will follow the service, at which time Colonel Friend will be given Full Military Honors by the United States Army. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the Pruitt Funeral Home. Local arrangements by Newlife Cremation and Funeral Chapel, Ormond Beach, FL. 386-676-1333.