James Forrest Mcintyre

James Forrest "Jim" McIntyre, age 82, of New Albany, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023.

He was born October 13, 1940, in Shelby, North Carolina, the son of the late Franklin Floyd McIntyre and Kathleen (Harrill) McIntyre. Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Eva (Reeb) McIntyre; brothers, Benjamin McIntyre and Don McIntyre; and bonus daughter, Petra Krause.

Jim was the most kind and thoughtful husband, father, Opa, Gpa, Uncle Jimmy, and friend. He was a fierce caregiver to all, and his positive spirit was radiant to everyone with whom he shared his time. He loved spending time with family and friends, whether it was vacationing each winter in Ft. Lauderdale or savoring a Bacardi and coke at the VFW in New Albany. He enjoyed watching Westerns and movies, playing bingo and scratch-offs, and could always be found snacking on anything around with a cup of coffee in his hand.

Jim was most proud of being a retired veteran of the US Army. Jim voluntarily enlisted in the US Army in June 1959 at age 19. During his enlistment, he served as an infantryman for 14 years and a unit supply specialist for 11 years. He was a member of the 101st Airborne, 509th Airborne, and 82nd Airborne. He also served in the Vietnam War in the 173rd Airborne from January to June 1967, which included a combat jump for Operation Junction City. His favorite t-shirts were those that were adorned with the phrase, "I used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes." Jim retired as a Sergeant First Class in August 1980 after 21 years of active service. Post-retirement in 1991, he also volunteered in Desert Storm for 4 months.

During his time of service, Jim received several awards: National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge (1 with Bronze Star), Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and 7 Good Conduct Medal awards.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Lore (Sonner) McIntyre; daughter, Donna Whelan and husband, Craig, of Corydon; bonus son, Frank McIntyre of Bretzenheim, Germany; bonus son, Stefan Sonner and wife, Heather, of Lanesville; sister, Becky Neill of Troutman, North Carolina; and grandchildren, Craig Whelan, Katlyn (Stephen) Welch, Heidi (Craig) Mauck, Nikki (Robert) Davis, Robby (Erica) Ward, Peyton Sonner, and Morgan Sonner; and great-grandchild, Tanner Davis.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a Military Funeral Honors ceremony beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the VFW Post 1693 located at 1919 Grant Line Road, New Albany, Indiana.

Jim was recently blessed to visit Washington D.C., escorted by his daughter, Donna, and alongside 82 other veterans as a part of Honor Flight Bluegrass. It was a very special experience for him, and his family asks that if you are so moved, you make a donation to https://www.honorflightbluegrass.org in his memory to give future veterans this amazing opportunity.

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