Bro. James Harley
Bro. James A. Harley, 83, of Harrodsburg, husband of Judy (Gash) Harley, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Centre in Danville.
Born Sept. 28, 1942, in Lawrenceburg, he was the son of the late Walter and the late Alpha (Blakeman) Harley.
He was an army veteran of the Vietnam war.
Bro. Harley was a devoted servant of Christ, a loving husband father, and a faithful shepherd to countless lives. He went home to be with the Lord after a life marked by ministry, compassion and unwavering faith.
He served as pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church for 29 years, pouring his heart into preaching the Gospel, shepherding his congregation and walking alongside people in every season of life. He later served as Director of Missions for Mercer Baptist Association for 14 years, continuing his calling to encourage and support churches and pastors. In addition, he faithfully served as interim pastor at Moreland First Baptist, Bruners Chapel, Mackville Baptist and Shawnee Run, always answering God’s call wherever he was needed.
Over the course of his ministry, Bro. Harley performed more than 700 funerals and many weddings, standing beside families in moments of both deep sorrow and great joy. He was known for personally visiting people in their homes and in hospitals, offering comfort, prayer and hope. His heart for missions took him on numerous trips, including many mission trips to Haiti, three trips to Russia and two trips to Romania, where he shared the love of Jesus across cultures and borders. Bro. Harley loved to share Jesus with everyone he met. Even during his illness, he continued to witness to nurses and doctors, never missing an opportunity to point others to Christ. His faith was not only preached, it was lived.
Above all, he dearly loved his bride, Judy, whom he cherished and spoiled in every way possible. They were married for 59 beautiful years, building a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Together they enjoyed traveling and seeing many places, though he often said his favorite trip of all was the one taken with their entire family.
His children were his pride and joy. He loved them deeply and most importantly, led both of them to Christ, one of his greatest blessings and accomplishments.
Bro. Harley will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his servant’s heart, and his unwavering devotion to Jesus and to people. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the souls he led to Christ, and the family he loved so well.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include: one daughter, Pam (Troy) Young; one son, Kent (Michelle) Harley; two sisters, Janet (Keith) Cornish and Barbie (Kerry) Markwell; one brother, Edward Jewell (Jennie) Harley; seven grandchildren, Rachel (Chris) Miller, Micah Harley, Hannah Harley, Sarah (Daniel) Cain, Noah Young, Payton (Micah) Miniard and Sophia Young; three great-grandchildren, Macks Miller; Cal James Miniard; and expecting baby Cain.
Funeral service are today, Thursday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m., at Ransdell Funeral Chapel, with Doug Wesley, John Kesel and Noah Young officiating. Burial is in the Spring Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Rachel and Chris Miller, Micah Harley, Hannah Harley, Sarah and Daniel Cain, Payton and Micah Miniard, Noah Young, Sophia Young and Roy Harley.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the WDFB Radio Station, 3596 Alum Springs Road, Danville, KY 40422-9607 or the Gideon Bible Fund, P.O. Box 176 Harrodsburg, KY 40330.
