Joe Pat James

Joe Pat James, 85, of Murray, died Sunday, November 4, 2012, at his home.

Mr. James was born May 3, 1927, in Kirksey, KY to the late Aubrey and Daisy James.

He graduated from Kirksey High School in Kirksey, KY, and Murray State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1957. He served his country, proudly, during WWII with the US Army Signal Corp in Vienna, Austria from 1945-1947. He retired from Equifax, in 1989, after 35 years of loyal service.

He was a proud and distinguished member of the Murray Lions Club where he served as President in 1959. He also served as Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, and District Governor. The Lions Club also named him a Melvin Jones Fellow for his dedication to humanitarian services. In addition, he was named a Lions "Knight Of The Blind" for his tireless work with the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation. In 2008, he was inducted into the Kentucky Lions Hall Of Fame.

His love for Murray State University, and especially Racer Basketball, was well known to everyone. He was proud to call Murray, and Calloway County, his home for over 80 years. During his lifetime he worked, endlessly, to promote Murray, Calloway County, and Western Kentucky. He received the Ambassadors Award from the Murray Chamber Of Commerce for his efforts.

Mr. James was probably best known, in Murray and the surrounding area, for his daily radio program on WNBS. He hosted the popular talk show for more than 30 years and continued to do so up until his death.

He was a member of the Kirksey United Methodist Church and regularly attended services at First United Methodist Church in Murray. He was also a charter member of the Oaks Country Club and continued to play golf almost every day.

Mr. James is survived by one son, Ross James of The Colony, TX; two granddaughters, Devon James and Dakota James of Trophy Club, TX; one sister, Lorraine Miles of Midland, TX; one nephew, Kevin Miles of Midland, TX; three nieces, Cheryl Jominy of Coral Springs, FL, Barbara Miles of Midland, TX, and Joyce Paschall of Palatine, IL. Other survivors include several great nieces and nephews, and two very special women, Janith Kay Elkins of Indianapolis, IN and Benton, KY; and Tina Marie Adams of Hazel, KY.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Lola James, who died on September 15, 2007; one sister, Aliese Paschall; and by one brother, Cordis James.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Murray with Rev. Jim Stahler officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. also being held at the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home.

The family requests that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to one of the following organizations: Murray-Calloway Endowment for Healthcare, Att. Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, KY 42071; First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, KY 42071; Kirksey United Methodist Church, PO Box 8, Kirksey, KY 42054; Murray State University Agriculture Alumni Scholarship Fund, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071 (checks made payable to the Murray State University Foundation).

Online condolences can be made at, www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com