BEAVER DAM, Ky. — James Barbee, 88, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 30, 2025, surrounded by his family he loved so dearly. He has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior.
James was a man of profound duty and patriotism. He honorably served his country in both the United States Navy and the United States Army. His commitment to his fellow veterans continued long after his active service ended; in his retirement years, he was a proud and dedicated member of the AMVETS and the Ohio County Honor Guard. Whether in uniform or in his daily life, James lived with a spirit of service and a heart for his community.
Aside from his parents, Evan Alvis Barbee and Thelma Irene McClure Barbee, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mildred N. Burden Barbee; two sons, James A. Barbee, Jr. and Barry D. Barbee; and three brothers, Jewel Brandon Barbee, Darvin Ray Barbee and Jerry Lee Barbee.
His legacy of love and strength lives on through his surviving three children, Ruth (Rick) Edwards, Eddie (Gail) and Annette (Michael) Taylor. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, Kim, Stacey, Jessica, Luke, Brittany, Chris, Autumn, and Reagan, and a doting great-grandfather to 10 great-grandchildren and loving brother to Retha Baize.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2026, at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Kentucky with Rev. Terry Tarrance officiating. Burial will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery with full military honors by Ohio County Honor Guard. Friends may visit with James’ family from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral and Sunday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations in James’ memory to Hospice of Ohio County, 1211 Main St., Hartford, KY 42347, Ohio County Honor Guard, PO Box 134, Hartford, KY 42347 or Helping Hands, 5560 State Route 505 South, Horse Branch, KY 42349.
Online condolences may be left for the family of James Barbee by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.