James Hugh "Jim" Waltrip

James Hugh "Jim" Waltrip passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, at Hillcrest Nursing Home. Born in Hopkinsville on Oct. 20, 1930, to the late Frank and Clara Miller Waltrip, Jim was a graduate of Russellville High School. There he was nicknamed "Hoptown" and achieved a well-known status for his ability to shine while playing football. After graduating high school, Jim attended George Washington University on a scholarship to play football, but an injury a year later would change his path and bring him back to Kentucky. Jim joined the Air Force in 1953 and toured in France. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and joined the Kentucky State Police force. While serving on the police force, he attended Kentucky Wesleyan College and in 1964, graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology. Jim left the police force and joined State Farm Insurance and remained with them until his retirement. Jim, along with his late wife, JoAnn, were longtime members of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church. There they were active in Emmaus and served on many walks. He was a man of good character and morals. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Carol Waltrip.

Jim is survived by sons Steven H. (Terrie) Waltrip, David Brent (Sandra) Waltrip and Richard Craig (Stacy) Waltrip; grandsons Steven Mark (Wendy) Waltrip, James Andrew Waltrip and Patrick Joel (Tiffany) Waltrip; stepgrandson Joshua Collburn; grandchildren Josh Waltrip, Justin Waltrip and Emily (Brent) Phillips, Luke (Amie) Waltrip and Calli Waltrip; great-grandchildren Keagan, Jaelynn, Jordyn, Wyatt and Carter; and stepgreat-grandchildren Ethan and Alyss.

Services will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will begin at 2 p.m. The Rev. Brent Waltrip will be officiating. Entombment will follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the James and JoAnn Waltrip Teachers Scholarship Fund, Kentucky Wesleyan College, 3000 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301. Attn: Mary Crawford.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.glenncares.com.