BUTLER COUNTY, Ky. — James Nay Havens, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence in Butler County on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on Thursday, Jan. 6, 1949, in the Banock Community of Butler County, James lived a life marked by kindness, adventure, and selflessness.
A member of Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, James’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching UK Basketball.
James was preceded in death by his loving parents, Willie and Freda Pierce Havens; his brother, Raymond Havens; and his sister, Betty Phelps.
His memory will be forever held in the hearts of those he leaves behind, including his devoted wife of 23 years, Carolyn May Baize Havens, whom he married on April 6, 2022. He was a proud father to his two sons, Lloyd Havens (Tabby) and Randy Havens, both of Morgantown, Kentucky. His legacy continues through his two stepchildren, Jim Havens, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and Lisa Keown, of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
James was a doting grandfather to seven grandchildren, Dylan Havens (Cari), of Berea, Kentucky, Dalton Havens (Julie), of Clarkson, Kentucky, Katy McLean (Steven), of Tennessee, Kolbi Johnson (Tray), of Morgantown, Tyler Havens (LeAnna), of Brownsville, Kentucky, Alex Havens, of Morgantown, and Caysi Havens, of Morgantown. He also cherished his three step-grandchildren, Misti Havens, of Morgantown, Jessica Hudson (Matthew), of Morgantown, and Eric Keown (Amy), of South Carolina, and 20 great-grandchildren.
James is also survived by his siblings, Daymon Havens, of Beaver Dam, Ray Havens, of Morgantown, and Dale Havens (Birdie), of Russellville, Kentucky, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, March 10, at 1 p.m. with Bro. Danny Mooneyhan officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery where Dale, Lloyd, Randy, Tyler, Dalton, and Alex Havens will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 10, from 9:30 a.m. until funeral time at 1 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt Vernon Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 414 Morgantown, KY 42261.
Please share any photos, memories, condolences or light a candle in memory of James at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com.
Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of James Nay Havens.
