John L. Southard, age 96, of New Lisbon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Samaritan Inpatient Hospice Center in Mt. Holly. He was born in Pemberton Township to the late Calie and Laura Southard (nee Gaskill). After graduating from Pemberton High School in 1940, John enlisted in the US Army from 1942 to 1945. He served as a S/Sgt Radio Repairmen during WWII. John was awarded Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a World War II Victory Medal. After his enlistment he pursued and achieved his dream of being a blueberry farmer. He worked as a school bus driver in Pemberton Township for 15 years. He also worked as a Mail Carrier for the Browns Mills Post Office for over 20 years. John was also a Volunteer fireman for 60 years at the Magnolia Road Fire Company and was a lifelong member of the VFW #6805 in Browns Mills. He was an avid gardener and bird watcher. John is predeceased by his son, Michael Lamb. He leaves behind his daughters, Cheryl Southard of New Lisbon; Janet Lamb of Southampton; 2 sisters Evelyn Rockhill of Pemberton and Jean Cook of Southampton; 3 grandchildren Kristyn Stanhope of New Lisbon, Jason Lamb of Shamong and Scott Lamb of Atco and 2 great-grandchildren Paxton and Autumn. Relatives and friends are invited to gather in Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 2PM to 4PM at the Tilghman Funeral Home, located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt NJ 08533. A funeral service will begin at 4PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan Hospice at https://www.samaritannj.org/