James Dion Deneen

James Deneen was a loving husband and father, dedicating his life to the service of others. He served 22 years in the US Army as a Military Policeman; upon his retirement he served an additional 20 years in the civil service on Ft. Knox as an exhibit model maker and training device specialist.

He served his community for decades as a member of the Morrison Lodge #76 F&AM, as President of the Riasok Shine Club, President of the Elizabethtown Lions Club, member of the D.A.V. Chapter 003, member of the American Legion and as a member of the Hardin County History Museum Board of Directors. He was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame in 2024 and has received numerous other accolades throughout his life.

His passion for helping children and families in need throughout our community and beyond was always at the forefront of his efforts throughout his life. He was a liaison for Kosair Charities where he spent over 40 years helping raise funds for children’s health care. He demonstrated a truly high level of compassion for organizations and individuals who worked in the service of others. He lived his life with a servant’s heart as he helped raise money for organizations and causes stiving to improve his community.

In his later years he enjoyed his workshop where he continued his woodcraftsman skills making handcrafted desk name plates and American Flags for local First Responders, Policeman, Fire and Rescue service providers and community leaders. He also enjoyed restoring his 1974 Ford trucks and could often be found participating in many parades throughout Hardin County.

He is preceded in death by his lovely wife Norma F. Deneen and his mother Olive B. Deneen. Survivors include three sons Brian K. Deneen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kelly M. Deneen and Matthew D. Deneen (Tanya Deneen) of Elizabethtown; five grandchildren Bronson Deneen (Taylor), Trevor Deneen (Larra), Chase Deneen, Julie McDougal (Ethan), Katelyn Osman (Skyler); and four great grandchildren Saige, Paisley, Eli and Cooper Deneen. He is also survived by his brother Walter S. “Bart” Deneen (Elaine) of Cumberland, Maryland; his brother in laws Wayne Sisk (Barbara) of Elizabethtown and Larry Stumbaugh of Hopkinsville, a sister-in-law Linda Sue Woolever and several nephews and nieces.

A service to honor James' life will take place on Monday, February 24th, at 11:30 AM, at Brown Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23rd, from 1 PM to 5 PM and resume on Monday at 9 AM, at the funeral home. He will be inurned following the service at Kentucky Veteran Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY.

The Deneen family wishes expressions of sympathy to be made in the memory of James Deneen to Kosair Charities at Kosair.org or P.O. Box 950136, Louisville KY 40295-0136.