James Russell ‘Sonny’ James

1944—2023

James Russell “Sonny” James, age 78, of Inez, passed away Jan. 7, 2023 at his residence.

He was born July 22,  1944 in Martin County. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey James and Rebecca Johnson James; his biological mother, Minnie James Spears; his wife, Wanda Jean Williamson James; four brothers, Butch Spears, Ronnie Spears, Donnie Spears and Pete Butcher; one sister, Sissy Spears; one brother-in-law, Mick Williamson; and two sisters-in-law, Lou Williamson Preece and Peggy Williamson.

He is survived by one son, Timothy James of Inez, one daughter, Pamela (Joseph) Fletcher of Columbus, Ohio, one brother, Paul Williamson of Inez, one brother-in-law, William Cox of Paintsville, and one sister-in-law, Sheila Cox of Paintsville. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Brandon Crum of Marion, Stormie Crum of Marion, Hannah (McKade) Osborne of Inez, Hunter Lewis of Columbus, Baylee James of Russell and Lilyonna James of Russell; four great-grandchildren, Jaydan Crum, Layne Crum, Ian Crum and Kane Crum; and several nieces and nephews.

Sonny was a veteran of the United States Army.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 in the chapel of Crum Funeral Home, with Lonnie Ratliff officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Garden in Louisa. Friends may visit the funeral home Thursday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Crum Funeral Home of Inez.