James Russell Partin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Russell Partin, who departed this life and leapt into the arms of his loving Savior at the age of 78 on Monday, June 30, 2025. His final moments were spent peacefully at the Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, Tennessee, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was born on December 13, 1946, James was the cherished son of the late James "Buddy" Partin and Ida Belle Wright Partin.

At the age of 8, he spent time as a log muleteer in Tackett Creek, revealing an early connection to the land he so dearly loved. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly in the deep mines, including Big D Coal Company, Blue Diamond Mines and Scotia Mines. Over the years, he also worked at Yeary’s, Davis Construction and he was a coal truck driver. James was truly a jack of all trades, having excelled as a mechanic, electrician, and construction worker, which included helping to build the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. His last job before becoming ill was with Blue Diamond Plastics Maintenance Department.

His love for gospel and country music led him to find solace in listening to tunes and singing in his own way. Often, you could find him in the back room, enjoying this time.

James was distinguished by his generous spirit; he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He relished in simple pleasures, enjoying bologna sandwiches, Grainger County tomatoes, and anything hot—his love of food was a testament to his joy in life. His spiritual life was equally important, as he was a devoted member of Ferndale Pentecostal Church. James had a delightful charisma that drew people to him. He loved to engage in conversations, tell jokes, and he was a humorous storyteller.

James was a profound presence in his family's life, claiming he would outlive them all by reaching the age of 104. If he liked you, he picked on you; whether it be Tony with big ears coming down the road looking like a taxicab with both doors open, taking Freida to the co-op to have her dipped, threatening to shave the kneecaps of his grandchildren’s boyfriends and girlfriends, or just giving everyone nicknames.

Having survived a stroke, widowmaker heart attack, cancer and dialysis during his life, to hear him joke about it, there would also have been a stabbing, two shootings, and a World War. He never seen the beat as the time the game warden let the fish get away or the donkey that froze to death in the middle of summer. He’d always tell how he walked to school both ways uphill, barefooted on a barb wired fence with a bobcat under each arm. He would often tell us how he wrestled an alligator to get him and Debbie a pair of shoes; most were convinced it was a true story…."Did you hear that, Allen?" Another funny memory was when he talked with “PeeWee” about having Jimmy Rose stuff him when he passed.

A little stubborn and often ornery, his laughter and wisdom brought comfort to friends and family alike, creating bonds that would last a lifetime.

His journey through this life has come to an end, but the legacy of laughter, love, and kindness that he leaves behind will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. As we reflect upon his blessed life, we may well lift our voices in joy and gratitude for the moments we shared, for through these memories, he will always remain with us.

James is now reunited with those who went before him, including his beloved son, James Russell “Jimmy” Partin, Jr.; his maternal grandparents, Alice Jenkins Partin and Jim Partin; paternal grandparents, Floyd Wright and Allie Wright; his brother, Charles Raymond Partin; and uncles, Pete Partin and Willard “Duck” Partin.

His earthly departure is felt deeply by those he leaves behind, particularly his loving wife of 41 years, Debbie Partin; his children, Tex (Freida) Hoskins of Richmond, KY, Alice (Tony) Harris of Ferndale, KY, Debbie Jo “PeeWee” (Tom Jackson) Partin of Middlesboro, KY, and Robert (Tammy) Partin-Barnett of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren, Megan (Wendell) Hunter, Tori (Brandon) Miracle, Jessica (JT) Hurst, Jim (Caitlyn Hutchison) Partin, Jamie (Hannah) Hoskins, Natausha (Timmy) Gunn, Cody Partin, Devon Partin, Amanda (Josh) Bain, Dustin Mullins and Matt Ezell; great-grandchildren, Kasen Miracle (“Mudgrip”), Raelynn Miracle (“RoseBud”), Peyton Miracle (“Chunky Monkey”), Beckett Hunter (“Bucket Head”), Madison Hunter, Hadley Vance, Millie Hoskins, Noah Hoskins, Dre Gunn, Nevaeh Bain, Gracie Bain, Conri Bain, Brantley Bain, Aurora Ezell, Murphy Sears, Mason Partin and Landon; special aunt, Joann Leach; special friends, Allen Rouse, Phil Daniels, Kitty Raines, Carl Cobb, Rhonda Cawood Thomas and friends at the Sassy Seniors Center; friends at the Pineville Dialysis Center; his fur babies Little Bit and Tootsie; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family of James Russell Partin will receive friends on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Reverend Shannon Harris and son, Robert (Partin) Barnett presiding. Music will be provided by Reverend William Uhrig, Stephanie Brock and Vickie Elliott.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will proceed together to Green Hills Memorial Gardens Gazebo, Middlesboro, KY, for the graveside services where he will find his eternal rest.

Pallbearers will be Tony Harris, Robert (Partin) Barnett, Jamie Hoskins, Brandon Miracle, Wendell Hunter, Jim Partin, JT Hurst, Tom Jackson, Timothy Gunn, Allen Rouse, Devon Partin and Dustin Mullins.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Kasen Miracle, Cody Partin, Carl Cobb, Phil Daniels and the Sassy Seniors Group.  

As we remember James Russell Partin, we celebrate not only the moments we shared but also the lasting influence he had on our lives.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Pineville Dialysis Center, the staff at Middlesboro ARH Hospital, the Middlesboro EMTs, the UT Flight Team, Anna Marie and the staff at Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, TN; and many others who provided care and support during this difficult time.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for James Russell Partin are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.