Obituary: James R. Greer

James R. Greer, 89, of Longboat Key died April 19.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Mr. Greer enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army while a freshman at the University of Iowa. He served in combat action as a member of the 66th and 42nd infantry divisions in France and Germany. His final assignment in Europe was to guard German prisoners of war. In recognition of the dignity he showed to those in his care, a German soldier made a drawing of him, which all the prisoners signed. It was one of his most treasured items. He was awarded a bronze star for his service.

Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Greer graduated in 1947 from the University of Iowa, married Miriam Leighton in 1948, and entered the insurance agency. He was the general agent for Aetna Life & Casualty for 33 years in Des Moines, Iowa, Toledo, Ohio, and Buffalo, N.Y. He retired in 1983 and moved to Longboat Key.

Mr. Greer served as president of the Men’s Golf Committee at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, chairman of the Scholarship Committee at Cardinal Mooney High School and a volunteer at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Mr. Greer was preceded in death by Miriam, his first wife; James, his son; four brothers and two sisters. He is survived by Sue, his second wife; sons, John, Thomas, Daniel and Joseph; daughters, Margaret, Mary, Constance and Molly; 16 grandchildren; and 26 nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be Wednesday, April 24, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church. Memorial donations may be made in the name of his son, James P. Greer, to Father Martin’s Ashley, 800 Tydings Lane, Harve de Grace, M.D. 21078, care of Sue Tucker, fathermartinsashley.org.