James Joseph Ponder

James Joseph Ponder, of Liberty, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Lexington VA Medical Center.  He was 87.

He was born on November 25, 1937, in Union County, IN to the late Alfred and Mary Morgan Ponder.  He was a retired dynamite blaster, a US Army veteran and attended the Baptist church. James also operated heavy equipment, bulldozers and backhoes but loved working with dynamite. He loved rabbit and mushroom hunting, fishing and taking trips with Dorothy in their truck. James was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  He never met a stranger.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Franklin Ponder, Paul Ponder, Francis Davis, Thelma Shirey, Pauline Durham, Wanda Joyce Ponder, and Sarah Ponder.

James is survived by his loving wife, whom he married on January 12, 1998, Dorothy Brown Ponder of Liberty; his daughters, Lisa Baughman of Springfield, Tammy Mattingly (and Joe) of Springfield and Jodi Ponder of Harrodsburg; his brothers, Robert Ponder of IN and Edward Ponder of OH; his sisters, Bonnie Smither of IN and Margaret Black of Louisville; his grandchildren, Adam Atwood (and Kisha), Jason Vest, Justin Vest (and Meghan), Jacob Whitaker (and Samantha), Maryssa Mosely (and Colin) and Dylan Mattingly (and Shelby); and his great-grandchildren, Chloe, Hunter, Lauren, Lucy, Maryana and Marylee.

Graveside services will be 1:00PM Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Willow Springs Cemetery, 71 Clear Branch Rd, Liberty. Bro. Johnny Maupin will officiate the service.  Military honors will be provided by Casey County Veterans Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Adam Atwood, Hunter Atwood, Jason Vest, Justin Vest, Jacob Whitaker, Paul Ponder, Jr. and Jackson Ponder.

Funeral arrangements for Mr. James Joseph Ponder have been entrusted to McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.mckinneybrown.com.