* James H. Pierce; World War II Veteran

James Harley Pierce, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, died Jan. 5 at his home in Ventura after a short illness. He was 85.

He was born Aug. 10, 1915, in Detroit and attended Wayne State University.

Pierce was employed as a civilian at the War Department in Washington. On Oct. 5, 1940, he married Joy Christina Leslie.

During World War II he joined the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant and served at Pearl Harbor, Japan and Korea.

In 1952, Pierce was a military advisor to South Korea and received a commendation from the government of the Republic of Korea for excellent service.

He later attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired from a job at the Pacific Missile Range at Point Mugu in 1974.

Pierce enjoyed bicycling with friends and bought the Carpinteria Bike Shop. He and his wife operated the repair shop for about 12 years.

He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Rifle Assn., Carpinteria Rotary Club, Ventura Retired Men’s Club and Fast Track at Community Memorial Hospital.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by son James of Carlsbad; daughters Leslie Galla of Cincinnati, Christine Bridy of Valparaiso, Ind.; a sister, Martha Lane of Canoga Park; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marion Mattson, and a daughter, Sharon Jean.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses’ Assn. hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 101, Ventura 93003 or to the American Cancer Society, Ventura County unit, 3737 Telegraph Road. Suite D, Ventura 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.