James Keith "Jim" Proffitt

1931 - 2018

James "Jim" Keith Proffitt

Louisville - Jim Proffitt, the last living member of Bear Bryant's starting lineup in the 1952 UK Cotton Bowl victory, died Monday December 17, 2018. He turned 87 on December 7. Dad was recruited by Bryant from Manual High School, where he is in the Hall of Fame. He played for Bryant at UK from 1950-1954.

In the Cotton Bowl, he played the entire game, both offense and defense. In 1955 he joined the U.S. Air Force as 2nd lt.

Jim loved the holiday family gatherings with a full dining room of children and grandchildren and toasts all around.

He led a fun, full, accomplished life surrounded by legions of friends, but his proudest achievement, along with his UK teammates, was "I survived the Bear!" He went on to organize "The Bear Bryant Reunions" in the 70's for the Alabama coach in Louisville. Golf, dinners and bourbon flowed as the coach and his players told bigger than life stories. He's now on the great gridiron laughing with his close friends and former teammates Joe Koch and Steve Meilinger.

After football and a business degree at UK, he graduated U of L's law school but with

his father's sudden death, Jim took over the family business, "The Food Basket", Gateway Supermarket on Taylor Boulevard. For 30 years the employees and customers were all our family. It was a special place, as local as you could get.

When he sold Gateway, he joined the Jefferson Co. Sheriff's Office and loved his time in the courtroom of Judge Judith McDonald Burkman.

21 years ago, Dad married Jody Scanlan and they travelled the world. Both widowers, our families had known one another since the 1950's. Jody is vibrant, funny and happy. Jim lived longer because of her wonderful spirit. We love Jody!

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hillus and Joyce Lindsey Proffitt, his first wife, Barbara Proffitt, two brothers, Harry and David Proffitt, and a sister, Mary Joyce Johnson.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jody Scanlan Proffitt, two sons, Doug (Anne), and Jeff (Cristina) Proffitt, a daughter, Anne Proffitt, three grandsons, Boone, and Seth Proffitt, and Tyler Voyer, granddaughter, Sophia Proffitt, and a brother, John Proffitt of Potomac, Maryland.

Funeral services for Jim will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Ratterman Funeral Home, 12900 Shelbyville Road, East Louisville. Visitation will be held 4-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 19th at the funeral home.

We want to thank the amazing staff at their residence, Stonecrest of Louisville, and Dad's final moments at Norton Brownsboro Palliative Care (Sandy RN) and Kyle, Norton Chaplain. Instead of flowers, we ask donations be given to The Hildegard House, which helps those with no home or loved ones die with dignity. 114 Adams Street. 40206

www.RattermanBrothers.com