James B Carmical

James is preceded in death by his parents, Beckham and Lee Ella Carmical, his eldest brother, Willard Carmical, his sister, Geraldine Brooks, and his granddaughter, Vivian Carmical.

James is survived by his wife, Sharon Wilson Carmical, his two sons: Casey (Lindsay) Carmical of Johnson City, TN and Clay (Aza) Carmical of Stockbridge, GA, his stepson Chuck (Austina) Wilson of Georgetown, KY, his stepdaughter Jenny Wilson League of Long Beach, MS, and his eight precious grandchildren listed in order of oldest to youngest: Madison Wilson, Chucky Wilson, Ava League, Reagan League, Collins Carmical, Evelyn Carmical, John Beckham “JB” Carmical, and Abigail Carmical. Also mourning James’s passing are his older brother Dr. Neville Carmical of New York, NY and his sister-in-law Virginia Carmical of Georgetown, KY. He also has many nieces, nephews, and cousins who mourn his passing and many devoted friends who were near and dear to his heart.

James was born in Harlan, KY on July 25, 1947. He grew up in Loyall, KY, where he spent his entire childhood, attended elementary through high school, and where he met many of his lifelong friends, whom he was blessed to maintain close friendships his entire life.

As a young man, James worked summers with his father, Beckham, and his eldest brother, Willard, at the family’s soft drink business, The Nehi Bottling Co. (RC Cola) of Loyall, KY. He became co-owner and operator in the years following completion of his education and his father’s retirement. James retired from the soft drink business after the closing of the family business and became primary caretaker of his parents. He resided in the Sunny Acres neighborhood for many years, developing close friendships with his neighbors.

James attended college at Georgetown College and the University of KY. He earned a BBA at UK. He was an avid fan of the KY Wildcats and lifelong member of the alumni association. He spent many hours watching the Wildcats play and cheering them on.

James was a devout Christian, a loving husband, daddy and pepaw. He had an impressive way with words and a vast knowledge of trivia. He liked to share memes with his friends to bring laughter into their days. He enjoyed spending hours in the mountains hiking with his family and friends and photographing the beauty of the nature he admired. He also enjoyed sharing his photography with others. His many meticulously labeled photo albums pay tribute to his adventures. He spent hours each day relaxing and enjoying listening to various genres of music.

James’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone of Capstone Hospice for their care and support.

A graveside service for James will be held at 2:00 on Friday, May 3rd at the Resthaven Cemetery in Keith, KY. H. Mike and Terri Kelly of Faith Chapel will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ’s Hands, Inc., 112 Railroad Street, Harlan, KY. 40831 in memory of James.