CENTRAL CITY – David Wayne James, 79, of Central City, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. at his residence. Mr. James was born in Muhlenberg County on April 19, 1947.
He was a graduate of Central City High School Class of 1966, a star player for the Golden Tide. He could hit 3-pointers but they only counted as two points when David played. His 1966 team was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was a member of First Christian Church of Central City and also attended First United Methodist Church of Central City. He was the former President of the Central City Country Club and Lions Club; he coached the girls’ basketball team at Central City High School and the Junior Pro Team. He served as magistrate for Muhlenberg County Court for 16 years – always wanting to help people.
His favorite things were golf, Kentucky Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, watching Western movies, and tennis. When he was in the 6th grade, he was with Janice and said, “I’m going to marry her someday,” and they became high school sweethearts. He always wanted Donny and Janice to watch his “new golf swing.” He met Lee Trevino’s son, Rick, and invited him to come to Central City Country Club to give golf demonstrations. He also met golfer Payne Stewart, singer Eddie Arnold, as well as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken. When David, Bobby Lile and Randy Swan coached the Junior Pro Team, they won the championship game.
Janice would say “I love you,” and David would say, “I love you, too, always have.” These were his last words to Janice.
“I love you, David, always have, always will.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ida James; sisters, Barbara Dukes, Ellen Logsdon, Nancy Forsythe; brother, Leon James; brothers-in-law, Joe Dukes, J.T. Forsythe.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janice Rager James; son, Donny (Amanda) James; sister, Linda (Milton) George; brother-in-law, Owen Logsdon; sister-in-law, Edna James; grandsons, Isaac Nelson, Jake Nelson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Rev. Curtis McGehee officiating. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at .
