Photo courtesy of R.E. Rogers Funeral Home - Belfry
Aug 13, 1937 - Nov 12, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of James
I always enjoyed waiting on him at the bank
When the Lord takes our loved ones home,
He leaves a gift of memories in exchange
Hold on to those memories to help you through this time of sadness
Tivis Newsom
November 15, 2025 | Pikeville, KY | Friend
James was a good man. He and dad were always good. Friends always enjoyed his visits. Also enjoyed driving by his house and seeing him wave at you when the weather permitted. My condolences and prayers for your family. Larry Blackburn
Larry Blackbirn
November 15, 2025 | Canada, KY | Neighbor
My sincere condolences, he was a fine man!
November 15, 2025
So sorry for your loss Berlin n Vanita. I know that he will be sadly missed. Prayers for all of you. Love u
Wanda Stanley. Turner
November 14, 2025 | Huntington, IN | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Marie Stanley
November 14, 2025 | Hardy, KY | Friend
So sorry for your loss Cole and I loved James he was always good to us love you guys
Ginger n cole Varney
November 13, 2025 | Mullins | Friend
James Stanley, 88, of Canada, KY, passed away Wednesday November 12, 2025, at his residence surrounded by the love of his family. James was born August 13, 1937, at Canada, KY, to the late Joe B. Stanley and Lizzie Thacker Stanley. James was also preceded in death by his siblings, Frinnie, Willie, Quincy, Landon, Joseph Ferrell Stanley, Mary Stanley, and Eula Marie Stanley. A lifelong resident of the mountains he cherished, James lived a humble, hardworking life marked by quiet generosity, steady hands, and a heart full of music. After graduating high school, James worked many jobs before beginning his 30-year career with the Department of Highways as a heavy equipment operator. He took great pride in providing for his family, living modestly so that they could have more - even planning for them long after he was gone. James had a deep love for the simple joys of life: yard work, chopping firewood, and sitting on his porch watching birds, He had a bluegrass soul, and nothing lit him up more than the sound of "Sally Goodin," his favorite tune to dance to. Hillbilly days was his Christmas. He attended every single year, dancing with the same joy and spirit that made everyone who knew him smile. His family says he always joked he'd never really die, because he'd lived on in the hearts of those who loved him - and he was right. James is survived by his wife, Verlie Stanley, his children, Vanita Stanley (Michael Bennett) of Canada, KY, and James Eric Stanley of Canada, KY, his sister, Ruby (Chuck) Benn of MI, his grandchildren, Ashley Varney, Arianna Stanley, Deric Stanley, Ryder Stanley, Willa Asher, Jason (Pat) Thornsbury, Destiny Leedy (Drew Maynard) and Michael L. Bennett, great grandchildren, Ivy Jade Maynard, Indy Jules Maynard and Benjamin Thornsbury, and a host of loving family and friends. James visitation will be held from 6 - 9 PM Saturday November 15, 2025, at R. E. Rogers Funeral Home. James funeral will be held at 11 AM Sunday November 16, 2025, at R. E. Rogers Funeral Home with Reese Maggard officiating and Mike Elswick reading the obituary. Burial will follow at the Family Cemetery, Canada, KY, with Deric Stanley, Ryder Stanley, Jason Thornsbury, Drew Maynard, Michael L. Bennett and Michael B. Bennett serving as pallbearers. R. E. Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry, KY, is serving the Stanley family. Online Condolences at rerogersfh.com.
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