Dr. James Carey 1891-1989

CAREY, BURNS, BRATTIN, PETERSEN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/10/2025 at 09:23:59

Funeral services for Dr. James C. Carey, 97, retired West Liberty veterinarian, were held at the West Liberty United Methodist church March 30, 1989 with the Rev. Donald Thompson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Ridge cemetery with military honors.

Dr. Carey died at Mercy hospital, Iowa City, March 26.

The son of Samuel Edwin and Amy Furman Carey, he was born at Anita Sept. 22, 1891. He was married to Grace E. Burns Aug. 16, 1916.

He taught in rural schools and served as principal of Massena high school before studying veterinary medicine at Iowa State University, where she graduated in 1919.

In 1919 Dr. Carey moved to West Liberty where he practiced veterinary medicine until his retirement in 1969. He served as President of Iowa Veterinary Medical association in 1937. He lectured at many state veterinary association meetings and the American Veterinary Medical association. 

In 1976 he received the President's award for the IVMA for many years of service to the veterinary medical profession. He also received the Alumni Achievement award and the Merit award from Iowa State University. A replica of his early veterinary office and clinic was erected at the Living History Farms in Des Moines in 1976.

Dr. Carey served on the West Liberty school board, the West Liberty City council and was a charter member and past president of the West Liberty Rotary club. He was elected to the Muscatine County Cattlemen's association "Hall of Fame" in 1979 and was awarded an Honorary Muscatine County Fair membership in 1984. He was a member of the United Methodist church and the American Legion. He was a veteran of World War I. Dr. Carey served 54 years on the board of directors of the West Liberty State Bank.

He is survived by a son, Dr. John W. Carey, West Liberty and a daughter, Margaret Peisner Brattin, Okemos, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. Louis Petersen, Anita; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. His wife and 3 sisters preceded him in death.

5 April 1989 - The Tipton Conservative page 13