James O. Deaton “Jimmy,” age 83, of Clayhole, Kentucky, departed this earthly life on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the University of Louisville Hospital.
Jimmy was born on June 11, 1942, to the late Lacy Sr. and Amanda Shoemaker Deaton.
First and foremost, Jimmy was a family man. He dedicated his life to being a wonderful, caring, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a very unique man who loved his family dearly. Jimmy was known for being “strong willed,” yet sensitive and compassionate at the same time. He loved helping people and had a vast amount of friends throughout his life.
Jimmy possessed a very special sense of humor and provided great entertainment to those who experienced it. One example was his love for embarrassing his children by kicking up his heels while walking through the mall. He loved getting new shoes almost as much as he loved UK athletics. He was often seen sporting his favorite “Big Blue” attire — blue hats, shirts, and anything representing UK.
One of Jimmy’s favorite pastimes was watching UK basketball, a tradition instilled in him by his father, Lacy Sr. If a game became too close, he could hardly bear to watch it. Instead, he would call his son-in-law, Shane, to ask who had won. If UK was victorious, Jimmy would happily watch the recorded game afterward.
Jimmy’s career passion was law enforcement, and he truly loved serving as a game warden. He enjoyed wildlife, farming, lecturing, and guiding others. He never went anywhere without a pistol and took great pride in being his family’s protector, especially protecting his beloved wife, Karen. Jimmy loved making people laugh by telling jokes and far-fetched stories, then laughing at himself when others actually believed them.
In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine Magee Deaton; brothers, Lacy Deaton Jr. and Phillip Deaton; and his sister, Anna Lee Deaton.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 37 years, Karen Faye Deaton of Clayhole, Ky; daughters, Jill D. Hatton and husband Shane of Winchester, Ky and Jana Gilbert and husband Ricky of Nicholasville Ky; grandchildren, John Ross Gilbert, Leah Gilbert, and Kaylee Hatton; sisters-in-law, Arbedella Campbell Deaton and Linda Hatton Deaton; along with a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces & nephews, great-great-nieces & nephews, other family members, and dear friends who will greatly miss him.
The family will honor Jimmy’s request by having a private graveside service at the McIntosh Cemetery in Clayhole, Kentucky.
“The righteous man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7 (KJV)
