James Edward Creed was born on the family farm in rural Atchison County, Missouri on December 10, 1932. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1950 and met the love of his life, Jayne Headley, at a high school basketball tournament that same year. They were married on August 16, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Oregon, Missouri.
Jim was in the Air Force ROTC for 4 years and graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1954, all the while planning to be a farmer but shortly after graduating, Jim was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, and was stationed at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio. After two years at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio, Jim and Jayne welcomed two little girls, Joan and Joy before returning to Missouri.
It didn’t take long for Jim to realize full-time farm life wasn’t for him and he applied to veterinary school. He attended the University of Missouri and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1961. While in vet school, they welcomed Julie, their 3rd little girl. He then began a long, successful career in veterinary academia as a faculty member and administrator. While at Colorado State University, the Creed’s welcomed Janet, their 4th little girl. He completed his Master’s Degree in Veterinary Surgery from CSU in 1967 and his American College of Veterinary Surgeons board certification in 1974. Jim served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Missouri. He also served as Assistant Dean for Service and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University. Jim had a special love for teaching and mentoring his students. Following his retirement in 1999, Jim and Jayne returned to the home they loved in Columbia, MO. where they cared for 3 beautiful acres overlooking their pond. In 2013 they moved to St. George, UT to be closer to family.
Of his many tremendous assets and talents, Jim had a special heart for service. As a member of the Optimist International organization for many years, he served as a club president, Lt. Governor and Governor of the Colorado-Wyoming District, and in 1979-80 he was selected to serve as Optimist International President. He also served for many years on multiple veterinary association boards and as President of the Western Veterinary Conference.
Jim was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He and Jayne were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, Utah Temple in the spring of1974. Jim held many church callings over the years, including Bishop of a student ward in Columbia, MO at the age of 70.
His example of simple living, humility, hard work, optimism and service will live on for generations. He taught all of us valuable lessons – be grateful, be kind, be loving, serve others and obey God’s commandments. Of all his many accomplishments in life, Jim cherished most his wife and family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother William Charles Creed and two granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth Harry and Laura Beth Beckstrand. He is survived by his wife, Jayne; daughters Joan (Ron) Harry, Joy (Dave) Beckstrand, Julie (Paul) Arslanian, and Janet (Van) Crawford, as well as 24 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating in Jim’s memory to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine online https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1002/giving/index.aspx?sid=1002&gid=165&pgid=5006&cid=9137 or by submitting checks to the University of Missouri in memory of Dr. James Creed, at 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211.
Jim and Jayne are beloved members of the Bloomington 7th Ward.
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