Eldon Lee James

Eldon Lee James, age 68, of Dawson Springs passed away peacefully Sunday, January 1, 2016 surrounded by his family at home. From his birth in Marion, Kentucky, on July 14, 1948 to his death on Sunday, he led a life of love for his God, his family, horses, hunting, and his wagon. He was a 1966 graduate of West Hopkins High School. He married Rebecca Darnell on March 23, 1968, with whom he enjoyed the farm, riding, and Wrangler’s Campground for 48 years. Eldon was a proud retired farmer and coal miner. He was also a member of New Salem Baptist Church. Eldon especially poured himself into the lives of his children and grandchildren. Through his joy, strength, generosity, and commitment to family and his many friends in the community, he has influenced many and left a lasting legacy. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Lee James and Geneva Christine McDowell-James.



He is survived by his wife Becky; sister Geneva Faye Orten of Dawson Springs; brother Jarvis Hayden James of Mount Washington; and three children Eldon Lee James II and wife Laura James of Dawson Springs; Kelly Elizabeth Grimes with husband Stephen Grimes of Dawson Springs; and Jordan Heath James of Nashville. He had 3 grandchildren, Austin James, Kylee James, and Gracie Grimes. Pallbearers will be Mike Russell, Tony Latham, Harvey Harris, Dustin Harris, Randy Orten, and Ronnie Huddleston, with Honorary Pallbearers David Kennemore and Dylan Harris. Funeral services and burial will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 1 pm at Beshear Funeral Home & Rosedale Cemetery of Dawson Springs with the Rev. Steve Rutherford and David Kennemore officiating. The family will greet friends at Beshear Funeral Home from 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday, January 4th and on Thursday, January 5th from 9am until the time of the service.



The James family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the Mahr Cancer Center in Madisonville for their loving care of Eldon. Those seeking to give in honor of Eldon are welcomed to do so to the Wrangler’s Cowboy Ministry c/o Mike Barbee 415 Bennettstown St. Herndon, KY 42236.