Lt. Colonel James C. LeMaster

Lt. Colonel James C. LeMaster passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Community VA Living Center in Lexington, Kentucky, after a long illness.

James was born on December 10, 1938, in Estill County, Kentucky, to the late Oakley D. and Stella Mae Johnson LeMaster.

His family relocated to Logan, West Virginia, where Jim graduated high school.   James joined the Army National Guard in 1963 and subsequently moved to Morehead, Kentucky, in early 1965. Throughout his tenure in the Army, he served in various locations including Vietnam, Germany, Hawaii, and stateside. His exceptional skills as a helicopter medivac pilot moved him through the ranks quickly and he retired as Lt. Colonel.

While serving in the Army, James pursued his education, earning a Bachelor's Degree and later a Master’s Degree from Morehead State University. He also devoted several years to overseeing an ROTC unit at Carson Newman in Harrogate, Tennessee. A highlight of his career was being selected to interview for the Astronaut program, reflecting his unwavering dedication and competence. He excelled in every undertaking. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Army tanker simulator, enhancing soldiers' training capabilities for battlefield readiness.

His professional journey covered diverse roles, including helicopter pilot for Ruth Paving Company, teaching Industrial Technology at MSU, managing projects for Walker Construction, and contributing to the Department of Special Investigation in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jim found joy in fishing, bird watching, Westerns, and race cars.  He greatly enjoyed playing with his precious dog Bella and always looking for a great laugh.

James was active in community organizations and served on many boards to better his community, including the Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, and Chair of the Democratic Party for many years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Tonya LeMaster, four children: Tiffany (Frank) Blatt of Smithfield, Virginia, Tausha (Matthew) Shepherd of Danville, Kentucky, Jessica (Jeffrey) Kidd of Morehead, Kentucky, and Charles (Kailielgh) Logan II of Jefferson, Georgia; and six grandchildren, Olivia Blatt, Garrett Blatt, Dalton Stone, Emery Shepherd, Kamryn Kidd, and Tristan Cole Kidd. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends. 

Visitation will be from 12 noon until 1 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at 1 p.m. Monday with Pastor Jeff Fannin presiding, and Ashley Adkins and Joe Curd speaking.

Inurnment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Columbarium with full military honors presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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