James Cantrell, 86

Mr. James E. “Jim” Cantrell, age 86, of Murray, Kentucky, died on Monday, December 30, 2019, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Mr. Cantrell was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 22, 1933, to the late Curtiss Cantrell and Helen (Genrich) Cantrell. Mr. Cantrell retired as a U.S. Federal Probation Officer and a retired social worker, earning the social worker of the year award. Mr. Cantrell served in the United States Airforce, and later retired from the United States Airforce Reserve, as a Lt. Colonel. Mr. Cantrell was a member of the St. Leo Catholic Church and member of the Model A Car Club.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Cantrell was preceded in death by two brothers, Marion Cantrell and Tom Cantrell.

Mr. Cantrell is survived by his wife, Ethel (Howlett) Cantrell, whom he married on August 20, 1955, in Coldwater, Michigan; one daughter, Mary Merchant and husband Randy of Ft. Worth, Texas; two sons, Patrick Cantrell of Florida and Michael Cantrell and wife Cathy Lynn of Owensboro, Kentucky; two sisters, Marjorie Smith of Athens, Georgia and Constance Hoff of Coldwater, Michigan; three grandchildren, Christopher Merchant, John Cantrell, and Nikki Cantrell.

A private family graveside and memorial service will be held.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959.

Online condolences can be left at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com