Richard Dean James

Richard Dean James of Williamstown, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, May 19th, 2023 at the St. Elizabeth Hospice Care Center in Edgewood, KY surrounded by his loving daughters and family. Richard was born in Wolfe County, KY on Saturday, February 9th, 1946 to the late Ollie and Elizabeth James; he was 77 years old. In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife Phyllis, and a sister, Kathleen Courtney.

On Friday, March 27th, 1970, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Short. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Jennifer (Greg) Angell of De Mossville, KY, and Denise James of Williamstown, KY. The two of them were happily married for over 47 years until her passing in November of 2017; we can take solace in the fact that the two of them are reunited in each others’ adoring arms.

Richard followed in his father’s footsteps, making a living as a self-employed milk hauler. Until his retirement, he hauled milk from local dairy farms that would be sold to the people of Grant County and all across surrounding areas of Kentucky, for well over 50 years. Beginning this career early on in life, he assisted his father hauling as a young man, only stepping away from his work during the time he was called upon to serve his country. Richard served in the United States Army, spending more than a year fighting overseas during the Vietnam War; we thank him for his brave service.

Richard was a proud member of the Short Creek Baptist Church in Falmouth, KY where he held the role of Deacon within the church for close to 20 years. Over the course of his life, it was through his career and these experiences that led him to grow and become the social butterfly known and adored by so very many throughout the community. Richard never knew a stranger, and if they were a stranger at the beginning, they wouldn’t remain one for long.

In addition to his daughters, Richard is survived by four of his sisters: Gerri Prather of Owenton, KY, Carol Messer of Walton, KY, Marie Gauspohl of Newport, KY, and Louise Sadler of Berry, KY. Richard leaves a legacy of his two treasured Grandchildren: Kayla Owens and Jacob Wimsatt; as well as two Great-Grandchildren: Blake Owens and Hailey Owens.

A visitation for Richard will be held at the Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home in Williamstown, KY, on Wednesday evening, May 24th, 2023 from 4:00-8:00PM. A funeral service will held the next morning at the funeral home, Thursday, May 25th, 2023, beginning at 11:30AM. Following the funeral, Richard will be interred at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North at 1:00PM.  Prior to the burial, military services will be rendered at the cemetery to honor Richard's service in the Army before being laid to rest with his wife. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Richard to the St. Elizabeth Hospice, or to the Short Creek Baptist Church.