James R. Petty, Jr. accepted the call of his Heavenly Father at 7:18 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from his residence. At the time of his passing, he had lived 68 years, 7 months, and 17 days. James was born to his loving parents, the late James Ralph Petty, Sr., and the late Patricia Gale Peppers Petty, in Paducah, KY, on October 5, 1956.
James graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1975, where he excelled as a defensive tackle on the football team. After 35 years of dedicated service with General Tire, working in the radial tire department, he retired. He was of the Baptist faith.
James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and family member who dearly cherished his family. His grandchildren brought him immense joy. He had a particular fondness for caramel cake and enjoyed spending his free time exploring technology, especially on his iPad. He was also known for his generosity because he loved giving to others.
James is survived by his Loving Wife, Arlene Petty, One Son, Xavier Petty, One Daughter, Jamilla Petty, all of Paducah, KY; Three Grandchildren, Akeylee Petty and Amore’ Petty, both of Owensboro, KY and Brayaja Dunivan Petty, a Bonus Daughter, Nicole Gary and Two Bonus Granddaughters, Lauren (Roderic) Smith and Brooklyn Gary, all of Paducah, KY; Two Cousins, Denise Petty, who was like a sister, of Des Moines, IA and Courtney Nicole Petty of Atlanta, GA; Four Nephews; Two Nieces; Two Uncles, Don (Bonita) Harris of Joliet, IL and L.G. Jones of Paducah, KY; One Aunt, Linda Flemings of Joliet, IL; Several In-Laws, Marsha Davis of Jacksonville, FL, Tina Fells of Chicago, IL, Lenora Warren of Owensboro, KY, Regina (Carl) Collins of Paducah, KY, Deborah Turner of Springfield, MO, Antonio (Shawnika) Warren of Lawrenceville, GA, William (Ann) Warren of Chicago, IL, Tina Warren of Paducah, KY, and Brenda (Gary) Evans of Paducah, KY; A Host of Cousins including both Clarence Collins and Leslie Collins, and Many Friends.
Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, 12 noon at Pettus Rowland Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Evans officiating.
Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
You may light a candle on leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
