Raymond Eugene James, age 78, of Dawn Drive, Morehead, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Frankfort Regional Medical Center in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Born October 26, 1944, in Pike County, he was the son of William Dennis James and Dora Easterling James.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Deborah Mae Hignite James; two brothers, Freddy Laverne James and William Michael James; and one sister, Peggy Joann Brinegar.

He is survived by one son, David Ray James and his wife Karen of Owingsville; one daughter, Melissa Burton and her husband Brian of Olive Hill; five grandchildren, Heather Cecil of Olive Hill, Hannah Baker (Isaiah) of Lexington, Tanner Whitton of Owingsville, Evan Burton (Rachel) of Olive Hill, and Katie Burton of Olive Hill; two great-grandchildren, Sydney Cecil and Sylas Cecil of Olive Hill.

Other survivors include two sisters, Charlotte Gail Cline of Olive Hill and Ida Faye Littleton of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania; a special friend, Allen Stewart; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

He served three years in the U.S. Army. Raymond was a retired coal miner, self-employed small engine repairman, and locksmith.

He was a member of the Phelps Lodge #482 in Farmers, KY, and enjoyed fishing, trading guns, working on computers, and wood crafting, especially making pens. He was a member of Better Life Church and enjoyed watching services from home.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 12 noon Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Joe Cline and Pastor Greg Hignite officiating. Masonic services will be conducted by Phelps Lodge 482 at the funeral home at 12 noon. Following the funeral, burial will be in Garvin Ridge Cemetery in Carter County with military honors presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126 at the graveside.

Honorary pallbearers will be Allen Stewart, J.D. Hignite, and James Hampton.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. until noon on December 27, 2022, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

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