We have heard the term “War is Hell”.

Madison County Veterans Memorial

It strikes home when a fallen patriot is returned home to be joined with his loved ones to honor his/her life.  It is even more remarkable for his return after 81 years since his passing.

Marrah Funeral Service Program

On Saturday May 25th, Second Lieutenant James Hudson Marrah was returned from a grave in eastern Europe to London Ohio for his final resting place.

Hero James Marrah is being taken to his final resting place

James Marrah was laid to rest in the Kirkwood Cemetery, Madison County, London OH.

Short Background:  James Marrah was born on January 9, 1921, and gave his life for his country on August 1, 1943.  A graduate of London High School in London Ohio, he was the oldest of seven children in the Marrah family and has been remembered as a hero to them all. Eighty years and two days after the B-24 bomber he was co-piloting was shot down, his remains were identified by a team of medical specialists serving the families of all military personnel missing in action.  This remarkable improvement in DNA identification gives families hope that their missing loved ones can be identified and returned home.

Attending this graveside ceremony were members of the Sons of the American Revolution from a number of Ohio Chapters.  The following members participated in the events of the day:  Lee Wilkerson, Clay Crandall, Mike Gunn, Robert Bowers, Scott Freeman, Bob Sturm, Robert Hill, Steven Conrad, Douglas Pettit, William Macak, Richard Hartinger, Kevin Driesbach and Max Talley.

SAR Color Guard at Marrah Ceremony

Bob Sturm and Scott Freeman from the Cincinnati Chapter attended the visitation and funeral service at the London Community Center along with Steve Conrad of Hocking Valley Chapter. They spoke to relatives, veterans, VFW members, and others.

Cincinnati SAR President Scott Freeman

Bob Sturm and his wife attend the ceremony

There was a large crowd at the visitation and funeral service, many of which were family members.   James Marrah’s nephew, Todd Marrah, officiated the funeral service.  In addition to Todd, nephews Doug, Scott, Bill, and Rick all spoke.

Photo of the Marrah relatives

To show appreciation for the patriotism of James Marrah, the London Fire Department Ladder trucks hoisted a flag over the road as the funeral procession left the visitation and headed towards the cemetery.

Community Fire Trucks create a ceremonial arch to honor James Marrah as his funeral motorcade passes

Cincinnati Chapter members Bob Bowers, Clay Crandall, Mike Gunn, and Lee Wilkerson participated in the Ohio Society Color Guard at the graveside service.

Jayne Marrah, who is the only living family member from James Marrah’s generation.

Jayne Marrah with Nephew Todd Marrah with Steve Conrad of the SAR

There is a Madison County Veterans Memorial on the Court House Lawn.   Included is the name of James H. Marrah along with all others from Madison county killed serving our country.

Names of Madison County heros including James H. Marrah

It was not obvious at the cemetery, but James Marrah was buried beside his mother who, all though he has been missing since 1943, she kept a grave for him at the cemetery all her life, hoping he would someday return.  Her prayers were answered.

See the full obituary below with the full story of the military service and raid which claimed his life:

Obituary – Second Lieutenant James Marrah

Thanks to everyone from OHSSAR and CCSAR for their participation.   The SAR participants were deeply touched by James Marrah’s heroism, the sacrifice and suffering of the Marrah family, and the impact his death and MIA status has had on generations of loved ones. It brought the meaning of Memorial Day home to all of us.

Welcome Home James Marrah! 

May your family and loved ones find peace.

We were honored to be present