James Eddleman Story was born in Little Cypress, Marshall County, Kentucky, on 7 June 1928. He went peacefully to his heavenly home on 8 September 2025. He was the youngest of 15 children born to William Arthur and Estella Harper Story. His education began in a one room school in Little Cypress. After losing his mother in adolescence, ‘James Ed’ as his family knew him, worked on the family farm and attended Sharpe High School before joining the U.S. Army. He served as a Medic, enjoyed competition in sports, particularly excelled in boxing, and became a Golden Glove Boxer. Over the years, he took delight in teaching boxing moves to his children, grandchildren, and friends.
Jim attended Murray State with aid from the G.I. Bill where he met the ‘love of his life’, Barbara Ann Owens. He went on to receive his Law Degree from the University of Louisville in 1958, and continued to practice in the profession he loved for the next 60 years. He began legal practice in Paducah, his wife’s hometown. With their ever growing family, they decided to set down roots in Lyon County where he was elected County Attorney in 1960. During his tenure, he helped churches, schools, roads, utilities, and displaced families to relocate due to the impoundment of Lake Barkley. He simultaneously served as Attorney for the cities of Eddyville and Kuttawa, as well as the Board of Education. The relocated towns are financially sound and thriving today largely due to Story’s dedication and diligence during their relocation. In
1972, Jim founded the Lyon Co. Water District and was very proud that it was the first Kentucky county to extend water access to all residents.
Along with Bill Cunningham and Bill Young, Story established the Lyon County Bar Association and was recognized by the ABA in 2007 as an Honorary Member for 50 years of Outstanding Professional Achievement. He was respected as a skilled and charismatic Trial lawyer and also served as Trial Commissioner for 17 years. Jim belonged to and supported numerous Civic and charitable organizations. Of particular importance to him was Recognition he received from West Ky. Volunteer Lawyers Project for contributing free service to those in need. As many individuals have learned first hand, he had a soft spot for those fallen on hard times or ‘down on their luck’ - never to turn away anyone in need. He was the kind of person who upon meeting, you didn’t forget - and he never, ever forgot you.
Jim loved music, and writing poetry and songs. He published Historic Event in 2013 about the Presidential election of 2012, as well as editorials, ads, and songs that were played nationally during the campaign. He was a member of the Church of Christ and Jim Story’s 97 years spent on Earth were an example of “a life well lived” in service to his God and fellow man. He truly loved and cared about people regardless of their status in life - and always had a joke, story, or song to share.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers, 5 sisters, and his beloved wife, “Barbie” of 69 years, He is survived by their six children; Paul Mark Story, Margaret Elizabeth McQuigg (Steve), Virginia Lee Story (Richard Horn), Sarah Jane Northcutt (Vaden), Betty Ann Pettit (George), James Arthur Story. “Papa” fiercely loved his grandchildren; Stephen Dustin McQuigg, James Derek McQuigg (Sarajane), Adam Rahn (Jenn), Katelyn Story Thomas Kalstein, Erin Grace Story, James Cole Northcutt, Jacob Story Horn (Peyton), Adam Ryan Story, William Grant Northcutt, Mary Kate Story, Mary Rachel Pettit; step grandchildren; Natalie Horn Osburn, Alan Horn; great grandchildren; Liam Russell Kingston, Ava Grace Kingston, India Story Kalstein, Bodhi Manion McQuigg. He is also survived by several generations of nieces and nephews - and a true friend and caregiver, Jackie Brown, whom the Story family will be forever grateful for her compassionate loving care of our dear parents.
Visitation will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. A private family burial service will follow at Fooks Cemetery in Marshall County. Memorial gifts may be made to Potter Children’s Home, 2350 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
You may light a candle or share a message with the family at www.lakelandchapel.com.
