James Michael Haskins

1956 - 2020

James Michael Haskins also known as “Mike”, 63 was born in Lexington, KY. on October 24, 1956 to the late Katherine Haskins and Robert Tribble. On Thursday May 21, 2020, our dearly beloved departed from this world.

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved children Katherine and Dominique Haskins; beloved brothers Ray Tribble, Ronnie Tribble and Willard Haskins; special uncle Emmett C. Hill.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory to six children Michelle Haskins, Jose Crooks, Robert (Rachel) Beckett, Marco Haskins, Keyona Harris, and Korey Robinson; his eldest sister Mary (Fred) Berry, Mary Pierce; brothers, Thomas (Brenda) Haskins, Calvin (Myra) Tribble; fifteen grandchildren Desirea, Montel, Montez, Kennedy, Jaelynn, Sinsear, Kaiyer, Saniya, Kaedyn, Samir, Jose Jr., Marco Jr., Taelar, Addilyn and Kartier; five great grandchildren Finnesse, Tyki, Kamya, Nareah and Amiracle; a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews.

Also leaves behind special friend Renee Johnson; other loveones Gabby, Lisa, and Ashley; Kyeen, Zaahir, Kyrie, Tristan, and Amari. Dearest friends Alphonzo Miles, Jessie Crenshaw, Tom Balko, David Price aka “Rock”, Tilford aka “Fly Guy” and Brenda Bonds aka “BB”.

He was a loving father, brother, grandfather “Pops”, and friend. He attended Lafayette High School in Lexington Kentucky. He accepted Christ and was a member of Total Grace Baptist Church. He served for thirty years with the Cabinet for Family and Children, Division of Mental Health/Mental Retardation including more than twenty years with Eastern State Hospital. He served seven years with the first steps program and two years as the EEO Counselor. He was a businessman who owned two music shops, Player Platters and Music Madness.

Michael was a dedicated public servant and longtime supporter of the Democratic Party in Kentucky. He served as First District Magistrate since 2012, as a member of the Fayette County Democratic Executive Committee since 2008, as Chair of the 77th Legislative District since 2012, and as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2012. He also volunteered his time in support of campaigns for various Democratic candidates for president, U.S. Senator, Governor, State Senate and House of Representatives. He was also a candidate for State Representative in 2014 and the winner of the Steve Banahan award in 2018 for outstanding services for Fayette County Democratic Party.

He worked on behalf of his community in other capacities, generously lending his time and talents as member and leader of various other civic, charitable, and community boards and organizations including Georgetown Street Neighborhood Association(former President), Lexington NAACP and Great American Cleanup.

He supported various community initiatives such as the Fatherhood Initiative, the MLK Parade in downtown Lexington, and the Lexington Roots and Heritage Festival. He worked tirelessly and with commitment on behalf of his fellowman, and over his career, has profound and positive impact on the quality of life enjoyed by many in his community.

Michael was a man that believed in family, integrity, vision, and leadership. He modeled himself after Kentucky’s own, Muhammad Ali, who he idolized. He was an avid sports fan and music lover. His favorite NFL team was the Cincinnati Bengals and during a game, he was known to quote the Bengals chant, “Who Dat!” Michael never met a stranger and has been described by friends as “the mayor for the West End community” and known for “having a positive attitude and smile!” He will be missed by all and his legacy in the community will live on!