Obituaries

James Douglas Blackaby, 83, of Alexandria, KY, passed away on October 22, 2025. He was the son of Eldon and Henchal “Marie” Blackaby. James retired from Joseph Honhorst, where he worked as a boilermaker, and proudly served in the United States Marines.

He was a member of both the Carpenters Union and the Boilermakers Union. An avid bowler, James also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his friends. In his free time, he loved playing bingo at St. Mary’s, Pendleton County Recreation Center, and the Newport Elks. He was also a member of Higher Ground Church in Taylor Mill.
James is survived by his children: Debra (George) Rich, Laurie Vann and James (Rachel) Blackaby; his siblings: Jerry Blackaby, Joan Jones, Jeannette (Wayne) Gullett, Jeneva Hanser, and Joyce Kincaid; his sister-in-law Jane Blackaby; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Darlene (in 2022), his brother Joseph Blackaby, sister-in-law Sandy Blackaby, and brother-in-law Dick Hanser.
A visitation will be held at Cooper Funeral Home in Alexandria, KY, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown.