James Patrick "JPat" Stephens

James "JPat the Cave Rat" Stephens passed away at 89. He worked as a draftsman and part-owner of Kyana Structural Steel Company. JPat loved exploring caves since he was a kid and was part-owner of Marengo Cave. He was a member of the National Speleological Society and Louisville Grotto.

He had a deep love for animals and a strong appreciation for the natural world. He also spent more than 40 years caring for his wife, Elizabeth, who lived with multiple sclerosis.

JPat was a published and award-winning poet. He served on the board for Fincastle Heights and was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by Elizabeth; his parents Clarence and Lillian Stephens; his sister Blanche Long; and his granddaughter Amanda Warren.

He is survived by his son Patrick (Karen), daughters Cindy Trimble and Kathleen Propheter; grandchildren Amy, Crissy, Matthew, Colleen, and Curtis; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home (3800 Bardstown Road) on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 2–8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (3938 Poplar Level Road) on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 10 a.m., with burial following at Calvary Cemetery (1600 Newburg Road).

In memory of JPat's love for caves and nature, donations can be made to the Bats for the Future Fund through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Bat Conservation International.