Franklin Duane “Jim” Futrell, 86, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jim was born to the late John C. and Ethel Calhoun Futrell on January 6, 1939, in Luxora, Arkansas. Jim was a proud Veteran who served his country in the United States Air Force. After returning from service, he began working for Ashland Chemical Plant in Calvert City and attended Draughons Business College in Paducah to help further his career within the plant. Jim dedicated many years of hard work to Ashland, where he earned a reputation as a skilled Maintenance Mechanic. His wise and analytical approach to problem-solving made his job and time at the plant more exciting for him up to his retirement.
Outside of work, Jim was known for being a hands-on thinker and tinkerer. He loved puzzles and enjoyed starting every morning with his daily crossword puzzle. His love for mechanical puzzles, especially those that involved sequential movement or disentanglement, led him to not only solve them but also to craft some of his very own puzzles. One of his favorite puzzles that he created was his “puzzle ring,” which he eventually gave to multiple family members throughout the years. He was known for being a family man who enjoyed being around people, where he could keep everyone smiling with a joke or two, or keep them questioning one of his new favorite riddles to share.
Jim was an enormous fan of classic rock, with some of his favorite bands being Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. His inquisitive mind gave him a deep appreciation for reading books and absorbing as much knowledge as he could. As an avid reader, he had probably checked out and read more books during his lifetime from the Marshall County Public Library than anyone else. Jim’s life was a testament to the beauty of a problem solved, the joy of discovery, and the warmth of shared laughter. He will be remembered and deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Vanessa Stevens (Tracy) of Gilbertsville, Kentucky, and Chris Fortenbery (Craig) of Benton; one son-in-law, Gene Welch; five grandchildren, Amelia Stevens, Katie Dziuk (Gary), Ali Beasley (Steffin), Seth Fortenbery (Ashley), and Zach Fortenbery (Katelyn); and six great-grandchildren, Beckham Beasley, Bowen Beasley, Evjen Dziuk, Jude Fortenbery, D.K. Fortenbery, and Elise Fortenbery.
He was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life whom he devotedly cared for until her passing, Charlotte Ann Davis Futrell; one daughter, Rachel Welch; three sisters, Ruby Boren, Evelyn McKinney, and Louise Woods; two brothers, Ethell Futrell and Walter Futrell; and his parents, John C. and Ethel Calhoun Futrell.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Marshall County Public Library, 1150 Birch Street, Benton, KY 42025.
Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr is in charge of arrangements.
The family is hosting a memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Marshall County Public Library in Meeting Room A, located at 1150 Birch St, Benton, KY 42025.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Jim’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.
