Buddy Harvey Dead at 78

A long-time public servant and Democratic stalwart died on July 9 at the Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson after a long illness.

James Stephen “Buddy” Harvey served the community in several capacities and was a candidate for Breathitt County Jailer on numerous occasions.

Harvey was 78.

The son of Roy and Odell (Landrum) Harvey, he served as a patrolman for the City of Jackson from 1980 to 1981.

Harvey moved to the Breathitt County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a deputy for G. V. “Doc” Turner.

In 1985, Harvey entered the race for Breathitt County Jailer and was unsuccessful.  Undeterred, he ran again in 1989, 1993, and 1998 using the slogan “Everybody Needs A Buddy!”

He served as Deputy Jailer for Jailer Joe Campbell and was the Chief Deputy for Sheriff Ray Clemons.

For more than twenty-five years, he was active with the Breathitt County Democratic Executive Committee and in local politics.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Nellie, one son, one daughter, and a host of other family members and friends.

A celebration of Buddy Harvey’s life is planned at the Deaton Funeral Home for July 23.