05/22/2026
Although John Jara did not die during his 25 years of service in both the US Navy and US Army during WWII, Korea and Vietnam, he is being remembered today. His bronze burial plaque was donated to the Botetourt County Historical Society in 2024 by his step daughter, Diana Dooley Simmons and Dennis Craft.
According to Jana’s obituary in The Roanoke Times (August 16, 2000), he died suddenly on August 14, 2000, at age 72. His Memorial Service was held at Rader’s Chapel in Daleville. He lived with his wife, Evelyn Dooley Jara who survived him on Mountain Pass Road in Troutville. He was buried in Sherwood Memorial Park Crematorium so this burial marker was not used. The S2 stands for being in the Navy’s food service. The S SGT stands for the Army ranking of a Staff Sergeant who typically leads a squad of soldiers and is responsible for their daily training, development and mission readiness. Advancement to the SSG rank is highly competitive and requires recommendation from a commander.
Rena Worthen and the staff at the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture, where it is located, helped to research this unusual Botetourt artifact.
This Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women from Botetourt and beyond who gave their lives in service to our country.
