James Holston Bourff Jr.

James Holston Bourff Jr., born December 22, 1955, in Harlan, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at Mercy Health in Paducah, Kentucky. His was a life marked by compassion, dedication to family, and a steadfast commitment to those he loved.

A proud native of Harlan, James was shaped by the close-knit community and the values instilled in him from a young age. Throughout his seventy years, he brought warmth and kindness to every setting in which he found himself, whether among relatives or friends. The impressions he left behind will remain cherished by all whose paths he crossed.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Rhonda Bourff, who stood by his side with unwavering devotion. Together, they built a life of shared joys and deep bonds. He was the proud father of Johnathan Bourff of Paducah, Ardena Chaston of Wickliffe, and Nina Bourff (Tristan Brown) of La Center, and a loving stepfather to Mary Lee Fritsch of Detroit, Michigan. Each looked to James as a pillar of strength, with his wisdom and care nurturing them through every stage of life.

The legacy of James’s kindness and love continues in the next generation—his grandchildren, Alyssa Anderson, Gabriel Brown, Emmett Brown, and Harlan Brown, for whom his memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration.

Family was central in James’s life, and he treasured the companionship of his siblings: brothers Lewis Bourff of Orlando, Florida; Vernon Bourff of Lafayette, Tennessee; Dedrick Fizer of Detroit, Michigan; and Gary Hicks of Arkansas; and sisters Violet Russel of Detroit, Michigan; Brenda Ryda of Detroit, Michigan; and Judy Bryant of La Center. Their bond, forged over decades, was a testament to love and resilience.

James also remembered fondly those family members who preceded him in death. He was the loving son of James Bourff and Gracie Pfizer.  He was also preceded in death by his son James Fritsch, and his brothers, Larry Bourff and Joseph Eldridge, and his sister, Barbara Romaine. Their memories remained ever-present in his heart.

Though James’s passing brings great sorrow, there is immense gratitude for his life—a life lived with honor, sincerity, and generosity. His spirit will remain in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love he gave so freely.

James Holston Bourff’s presence in the lives of his family and friends is an enduring gift. As they move forward, each will carry the values and lessons he embodied, forever treasuring the privilege of having known and loved him.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bourff family.