James K "Jim" Layman

James "Jim" Kenneth Layman went home to our Lord and Savior on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the age of 82. He was born November 26, 1942 to the late Kenneth L. Layman and Lula Mae (Bell) Layman. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Phyllis Lynn (Miller) Layman.
Jim graduated from Shawnee High School in 1960. He attended Western Kentucky University for three years before transferring to the University of Louisville where he earned a BA degree in 1965.
He married Phyllis on September 6, 1963 and they had two daughters.
Jim's early career was in supervisory positions before answering the call to ministry. In a 22 year span he served as Associate Pastor at Louisville Trinity Church in Louisville, KY. Senior
Pastor of Christian Faith Center in Dickson, TN and then as Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Louisville, KY. During those ministry years he preached the Gospel in the nation of India, the Navajo nation in Arizona and in the nation of South Africa.
After retiring from ministry, he began working in the Funeral Industry beginning at Evergreen Funeral Home and lastly as the office manager of Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East, where he retired in 2015.
Upon retirement, after living in Louisville, KY for 64 years he moved to LaGrange, KY in 2014 to live with his eldest daughter, Laura. While in LaGrange, he attended Crestwood Baptist Church.
Jim played the guitar, especially during his ministry years, but really enjoyed it when his grandson, Christian began to play the guitar and they could play together.
Jim resorted two older trucks by himself and the last one he completed with his grandson. He was a true "Mr. Fix It". He built the garage at his and Phyllis' first home and then totally finished the basement of their second home. He had a wood working shop at the second home and could design and make most anything out of wood.
Jim enjoyed golf and would play at least nine holes 2-3 times during the week after retirement and eventually joined the Southeast Christian Church Senior Men's Golf League that played at Eagle Creek in LaGrange until his health began to decline.
Jim was also known to be a "snappy" dresser with his signature color coordinated cap.
Jim was a devoted and faithful husband and father; who provided for his family and brought security and stability to them.
Left behind to rejoice in the promise of a future reunion are his daughters, Laura (Kent) Meeks, Melissa (Andy) Porter. Grandson, Christian James (Rachel) Porter. Great Grandson, Elijah James Porter. Brothers, Roger (Diane) Layman, Mark (Karen) Layman. Nieces, Rachel (Brian) Argabright, Kathleen (David) Grubbs and Allyson Layman. Great Nieces, Sarah Argabright and Molly Grubbs. Great Nephew Jacob Argabright.
Funeral Service will be Friday, October 31 at 10am at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East, 12900 Shelbyville Road with interment to follow at Louisville Memory Gardens West.
Visitation will be 1pm-8pm Thursday, October 30 at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made in Jim's memory to:
The Voice of the Martyrs, 1815 S.E. Bison Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006
Online at www.persecution.org
The Voice of the Martyrs has been serving persecuted Christians since 1967