So often an individual is applauded for his accomplishments after he is gone from this life. But on Monday, attorneys of the Ava community, as well as local community government, recog-nized James E. Curry for a lifetime of service.
An attorney in Ava for over 60 years, Curry has also played a significant role in the Ava community, serving as owner and publisher of the Douglas County Herald and holding membership in just about every civic and service organization the community has known.
Attorney Dan Wade and Circuit Judge John Moody were instrumental in organizing the get-together at the Subway meeting room at noon Monday, which was May Law Day. Moody spoke about his association with Curry and presented him with a plaque of recognition.
City Clerk Marilyn Alms read a proclamation issued by Douglas County Presiding Commissioner Larry Pueppke and Ava Mayor Eddie Maggard, proclaiming Monday, May 2, 2011, as James E. Curry Day.
The proclamation gave recognition to Curry’s 44 years as Ava City Attorney, his six years as Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney, plus his involvement with the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Ava R-1 Board of Education, Ava Industrial Development Corpora-tion … and the list goes on and on.
Curry graduated from Ava High School as valedictorian and went on to graduate from law school at the University of Missouri in 1948.
He immediately opened a law office in Ava and practiced until the age of 84. Today at age 90, he still enjoys coming to the office every morning, and each week waits for the next edition of the Herald to roll off the press.
Jim and his wife, Louanna, have three daughters, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Jim Curry bought stock in the Douglas County Herald in 1946 and became a partner in the newspaper with his father, J.E. (Elmer) Curry. When Elmer retired in 1969, Jim became publisher.
The Herald was established in 1887 and has been in the Curry family since 1910.
