James Milton Click, III, known affectionately to friends and family as Jim or “Cub”, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Born on August 29, 1961, in Ashland, Kentucky, Jim was a man whose vibrant spirit and loving nature left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Jim was a proud 1979 graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School and furthered his education at the Ashland Vocational School, where he honed his skills in welding. His career was a testament to his work ethic and dedication, retiring as a Maintenance Mechanic Welder A with American Electric Power's Big Sandy Plant. He was also a respected member of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #248 and enjoyed working with many of his Union brothers.
Jim's sense of civic duty was evident through his varied involvements, from his time as a Deputy Jailer with former Boyd County Jailer Joe Burchett, to serving on the Board of Directors of the Cannonsburg Fire Department.
During Jim’s time on earth, he enjoyed being a 32nd Degree Mason with Poage Lodge No. 325 Free & Accepted Masons, a former member of the El Hasa Shriners Oriental Band, and the Fraternal Order of Police, FOP Lodge 3. Some of his fondest memories were being involved with the Boyd County Football Program while his son played.
His love of sports was only matched by his passion for the great outdoors. Throughout the week, you could often find him sharing stories with his friends at Borders Sporting Goods. He enjoyed traveling the country hunting different game with valued friends and family. He loved to fish, and he was very proud that he recently helped his oldest grandson catch his first largemouth bass.
Jim’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. A devout Christian, he was a member of the former Belmont Baptist Church and attended the Heritage Freewill Baptist Church. His love for the Lord was evident in how he treated others.
Jim was a skilled Bluegrass tenor singer and enjoyed playing the mandolin. He spent five years singing with Sammy Adkins and the Sandy Hook Mountain Boys, as well as various other musicians throughout the Tri-State during his life. Jim had a passion for Bluegrass music and the Clinch Mountain Style, Dr. Ralph Stanley Sound.
Jim was a man of immense love and spirit; his presence could light up a room, and his laughter was contagious. Described as adventurous, loving and spirited, he approached life with an open heart and sense of humor that endeared him to many. Jim truly never met a stranger, and his family was never surprised when he would meet someone new and end up talking to them for hours.
Jim was a devoted family man and will be missed by all who knew him. Jim was a preceded in death by his parents, James Click Jr., and Betty Adkins Click. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Gail Salyers Click of Ashland; his son, James Click, IV and wife Kristy of Georgetown, KY; brother Mike Mooney and wife Kathi of Ashland; sister Gail Erwin of Ashland; his beloved grandchildren Maxwell Click and Beau Click of Georgetown; and a host of extended family and good friends who will miss him every day.
A memorial service will be held 6:00pm Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Steen Funeral Home 13th St. Chapel. Visitation will be prior to services beginning at 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Hospice https://chospice.org/giving-to-hospice, Shriners Children's Hospital https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving or a charity of your choice.
The life of James Milton Click, III was a tapestry woven with the love of his family, the loyalty of his friends, and the service to his community. As we bid farewell to Jim or “Cub” as many referred to him as, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Jim's journey on earth has ended, but his story will live on in the hearts of those who cherished him. Rest in peace, dear Jim, until we meet again.
To share a condolence with his family, view his video tribute of watch his memorial service via livestream, please visit www.steenfuneralhome.com.
