James A. "Jim" Fluty, age 81, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday morning, May 23, 2026. Born June 4, 1944, in Winchester, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Grover Cleveland Fluty, Jr. and Ruby Anderson Fluty. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Grover Cleveland Fluty III.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sophia W. Fluty; one son, James Fluty II and wife Lisa of Winchester, Kentucky; one daughter, Devon M. Fluty of Independence, Kentucky; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and colleagues whose lives he touched throughout the years.

A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Jim briefly attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University before returning home, joking that the requirement to make his bed daily helped influence the decision. After passing his CPA examination, he began his accounting career with Kelly, Galloway and Goolsby in Ashland in 1968. In 1978, he became a partner of the firm's Morehead office. In 1989, Jim joined Morehead State University, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 2009 as Director of Accounting Budgetary Control. Even in retirement, he continued preparing tax returns for many longtime clients and friends.

Jim dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He was actively involved with numerous organizations, including the Rowan County Christmas Board, the Morehead Optimist Club where he was a member for more than 40 years, the Morehead Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Lakeview Heights, where he served as City Commissioner from 2018 until 2024.

In 1999, Jim was appointed as a founding member of the newly created City of Morehead–Rowan County Airport Board and was elected chairman, a role he proudly held for 12 years. Through his leadership, aviation knowledge, and tireless dedication, Jim worked alongside former Rowan County Judge Executive Clyde A. Thomas, the Kentucky Department of Aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the office of Congressman Hal Rogers to help secure the initial $17.5 million necessary for land acquisition, engineering, and construction of the new airport. Under his guidance, the airport officially opened in 2007 with a 5,500-foot runway and parallel taxiway, becoming Kentucky's newest airport. Jim and his longtime friend and flying partner, Rick Phillips, shared the honor of being the first to land at the newly opened facility.

A passionate aviator, Jim flew his beloved Cessna 172 for many years and was a founding member of the airport-affiliated Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1525. He faithfully served as treasurer and generously provided more than 100 free airplane rides to local youth through the Young Eagles Program. In recognition of his service and dedication to the Commonwealth, Jim was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1990.

Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, Jim cherished life's simple joys. He was an avid golfer who treasured time spent on the course with friends, especially his best friend of more than 40 years, Mike Walters. Jim and Sophia also loved traveling the country together, taking long drives, and spending evenings outdoors visiting with neighbors and friends. His kindness, leadership, humor, and servant's heart will be remembered by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tim Rhodes officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Trent, Wes Holland, Gene Porter, Joe Hunsucker, Richard Phillips, and Andrew Wheeler.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Morehead Optimist Club and Mike Walters.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to UK-St. Claire Hospice, 201 Lyons Ave., Morehead, KY 40351, the Morehead Optimist Club, P.O. Box 63, Morehead, KY 40351 or Bluegrass Flyers EAA Chapter 1525, c/o James Stevens, 1800 Rodney Hitch Blvd., Morehead, KY 40351.

Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com