Another local hero passes.

James Mack “Jim” Goad, 69 of Flat Top died Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at his residence.

Born in St. Petersburg, Fla., July 12, 1946, he was the son of Faith Mack Goad of Princeton and the late Rev. Walker Miles Goad.

He was a member of the Rich Creek Baptist Church at Spanishburg. Jim was a highly decorated veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade (Delta 4/31 and Charlie 3/21) retiring as Staff Sergeant E-6. Jim earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, 3 Purple Hearts, and Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Combat Medical Badge, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device. He also received Multiple Recommendation letters from the Executive Office of the President and was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor. He is in the process of being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, 2nd highest Medal to the Medal of Honor. Jim is also mentioned in the non-fiction book, “The Magnificent Bastards”, author Keith W. Nolan. He is a Lifetime Member of Purple Heart and the 196th Light Infantry Brigade Associations.

In addition to his father one brother, Walker Goad, preceded him in death.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his beloved and devoted wife of 30 years, Carla Hawley Goad of Flat Top; a son, James Conway and grandson, Jay Michael Stone, both of Pittsford, Vt.; nephew, Richard Goad and wife Brandy and their children, Brody and Jax; niece, Carissa Abitabilo and her son Isaac; nephew, Eli Williams and nephew, Zane Williams.

In keeping with his wishes Jim has been cremated.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Jim will be 2 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2016, at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton, with Rev. Ralph Calfee officiating and the U.S. Army National Guard Honor Guard conducting Military Services.

Friends may call at Seaver Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to the service hour on Thursday. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice. com Arrangements by Seaver Funeral Home, Princeton.