James Edward Curtis was born on Feb. 1, 1928, in Echols, Ky., to the late William Edward and Dorcie Ree Curtis.
He graduated from Rockport High School in 1946, lettering four years in both basketball and tennis. The day following graduation, he left for a two year stint in the Navy, being stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. Upon return, he attended Western Kentucky College for three and one-half years. Following this, he taught school and coached Basketball at Rockport High. He served in the Air Force Reserve for 35 years, attaining the rank of Major.
In the mid 50’s, he was employed by Peabody Coal Company at Ken Mine as weighmaster. In the early 60’s, he and Dick Geissel pioneered the recruiting, opening, growth and success of Sinclair Mine. He was employed by the federal government for 25 years, working on the Washington D.C. federal mine inspecting staff for a majority of those years. He worked for A.K. Steele and Green Coal Company as safety director. He worked in sales at Tichenor Cheverolet in Hartford. He served as deacon and treasurer of Rockport Baptist Church, and in the early 80’s, passionately spearheaded the rebuilding of the church. James was a loyal fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats and St. Louis Cardinals.
Departing from this life on April 18, 2015, James was preceded in death by 14 brothers and sisters, including three sets of twins; William O., George Earl, Ercie Jones, Hulet, Mitchell, Cecil, Vernie and Ernie, Myrtle and Pirtle, Ella and Nell Kennedy, Dean Grant, and Kenneth Curtis.
Survivors include his wife, Bette Carole; sons, John Edward of Denver, Colo., Mark Anthony and Bryan Timothy, of Rockport; and daughter, Kathryn, of Beaver Dam. One granddaughter, Emily-Kathryn Taylor (Wade), of Bowling Green; and one great-granddaughter, Eliza Caroline Taylor.
Funeral Services are 4 p.m. Wednesday at Rockport Baptist Church, with visitation at 2 p.m. at the church. Also, visitation Tuesday at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Charles Brownd officiating.
Burial in Echols Cemetery with full Military Honors.