In November 2020, Erika Statz and her husband were staying at an Airbnb in Galveston, TX when they found this dog tag hanging on the backside of the bedroom mirror. They reached out to the host and were told that noone had reported missing or losing it. It nagged at Erika though...she  just kept thinking that if someone had brought it along with them to an Airbnb on a trip then they must really be missing the dog tag.

She tried doing some internet searches with the limited information on the dog tag - to no avail - it ultimately got tucked away for a bit and then as she said, "She found us!" 

We are happy to report we were able to find the veteran the dog tag belongs to - unfortunately he passed away in 2011, but there are surviving children. 

James "Jim" M. Teegarden, at the age of 85, went to be with his Lord at 9:35am on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at the I.U Health Blackford Community Hospital.

Jim was born on September 8, 1925 in Blackford County, Indiana to Luther A and Georgia (Long) Teegarden.

He served our county as a member of the United States Marine Corps in WWII. (see more info below).Jim married Esther (Horton) on February 9, 1946 in Trenton, IN shortly after returning home from the war.

Jim worked as a farmer for many years, a factory worker, a custodian for various schools and then as a custodian at Blackford County Courthouse. He was a long time member of the Olive Branch Nazaren Church where he attended faithfully.

Funeral Services were held at the Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N High St, Hartford City on May 12, 2011. Burial followed at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie, IN.

James M Teegarden (photo approx 2010)

Gardens of Memory Cemetery