BEECHMONT – James Edward Bruce, 75, of Beechmont, died Friday, January 1, 2021 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Born June 18, 1945, in Greenville. He was a coal miner for Peabody Coal Co. and a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Russellville. He was an army reservist for 2 years, a 1963 graduate of Drakesboro Consolidated High School and served many years on the Muhlenberg County Board of Education as a member and chairman. He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Bruce; mother, Pearl Brown Bruce; brothers Archie Bruce and Don Bruce and sisters Hazel Bobbitt, Alice Sparks, Betty Phillips, and Audie Worrell.
Most people called him “Bo”, but we knew him as husband, dad, father-in-law, and granddaddy. He loved attending church and being with his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his granddaughters at the pool. He was a loving husband, he was an excellent father, who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them. He was also a caring granddaddy, who dedicated himself to providing an abundance of unconditional love, humor, lessons in life, and most importantly, ice cream. Bo was loved by many and was a kind and warmhearted man. His smile and laugh were contagious. He cared for and impacted every person he encountered. Bo is loved and will be missed by many.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Jo Rager Bruce of Beechmont; children, Penney Bruce (Harold) Gates and Scott (Dana Turner) Bruce; grandchildren, Tayler Gates, Sydney Bruce, Kilee Gates and Madison Bruce; sisters, Cherry Brewer and Erie Warner.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Tucker Beechmont Funeral Home, with Pastor Craig Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday after 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Family and friends are asked to wear a face covering, in accordance with the governor’s mandate. Capacity will be limited to comply with current state guidelines. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
