Colonel (ret) Jimmy B. Yancy

Colonel (ret) Jimmy B. Yancy, 83, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away peacefully at his home on February 2, 2025. 

He was born to the late Herbert and Mabel Yancy on July 8, 1941 in Sarepta, Mississippi. Upon graduation from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1963 with a BA in Mathematics, Jim earned a Reserve Commission in the Army as a Second Lieutenant. He was a highly decorated officer and spent the majority of his career in operational assignments, beginning at Ft. Baker in Sausalito, California. It was there that he met his loving wife of almost 60 years, Pam. 

His combat assignments included two tours in Vietnam, where he served as a General's Aide and District Senior Advisor to the Montagnards in the Central Highlands. After the war, he transitioned to Air Defense Artillery, in which he completed several assignments at Ft. Bliss, Texas and Germany. Recognizing his potential, the Army promoted Jim to Lt. Colonel and selected him to Command the largest Air Defense Battalion in the Army. There, he led over 1,300 soldiers before deactivating the last Nike Hercules unit in the US Army. After Command, he was assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, DC as Director of the Army War Room, and promoted to Colonel. Closing out a stellar career of sustained excellence, service and leadership, Jim’s last assignment in the Army was as an Advisor to the 100th Division at Bowman Field, Louisville, KY. He retired in 1992 and received the Legion of Merit in recognition of his impactful military career.

His time at a sawmill as a young man shaped his love of woodworking. He used these skills and craftsmanship to create personalized gifts for his officers. His creativity with wood was unlimited and included making and redesigning furniture, and remodeling the interior of their long-time home in Louisville, KY. Jim fancied himself an early adopter of technology: he was very adept at building personal computers, and his test bench always held his latest project.

Guided by his faith, Jim was drawn to mentoring and teaching young men. Besides his positive influence in so many young lives, Jim was a familiar and beloved face at his church, Evangel World Prayer Center, where he served faithfully as a Captain of the Usher team, rewrote the Usher Handbook, and sat on the Deacon Board. Jim believed in tithing and sowed multiple seeds to spread the Word of God around the world. He always strived to serve his Lord, and his calm demeanor, warm smile, and servant leadership will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Pamela G. Moeszinger Yancy; son, Colonel (ret) Scott D. Yancy (USAF) and his wife, Kristine; grandchildren, Caroline Yancy, Andrew Yancy; daughter, Tina L. Yancy Damratoski and her husband, David; grandchildren, Luke Damratoski, and Kate Damratoski. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Mabel Yancy; and his brother, Michael Yancy. 

Visitation will take place from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Monday, February 10, 2025 at Evangel World Prayer Center, located at 6900 Billtown Rd, Louisville, KY 40299. A service will take place that day at 11:00 am at the church with burial to follow at Crosswater Gardens Cemetery.