James F. Stites

James F. Stites, 86, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Jim was born on September 12, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Raymond and Marcella Stites. A 1956 graduate of duPont Manual High School, Jim pursued higher education at Morehead State College and Western Kentucky University, earning a Master of Arts in Education. 

For 42 years, Jim was a beloved teacher at Butler High School, where he inspired countless students with his dedication, kindness, and sense of humor. Over the years, Jim taught industrial arts, drafting, architecture, photography, and technology and coached or advised many student teams and organizations, including the yearbook, cheerleading squad, tennis team, senior class, camera club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and others. The Kentucky Congress of Parents and Teachers recognized Jim’s tireless commitment to students by naming him the 1991-1992 Kentucky Senior High School Teacher of the Year, and in 1993, the Kentucky Applied Technical Association honored him as the Kentucky Technical Educator of the Year.

Jim’s passion for education was surpassed only by his deep love for his family and his faith. He was a devoted husband and a proud father and grandfather, always putting his loved ones before himself. His caring extended beyond his family, and he was deeply involved in his church community. A faithful Christian, Jim served as an Elder at South Louisville Christian Church, Shively Christian Church, and Old Orchard Christian Church. He also served as camp manager at White Mills Christian Camp, impacting the lives of young people with his guidance and leadership. 

A man of many talents, Jim had a creative spirit and enjoyed expressing himself through photography and woodworking. Whether framing beautiful images with his lens or building something with his hands, he found joy in creating and sharing his work with others. Professionally, Jim captured significant moments in the lives of thousands of people through his company, Gravely and Stites Photographers. 

Jim was known for his great sense of humor, loving care for those around him, and unwavering faith. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Stites and Marcella Brown Stites. 

Left to cherish his memory, Jim is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan Loy Stites; four children, Ken Stites (Janet), Karen Petko (Darrin), Michael Stites (Susan), and Michelle King (Matt); five grandchildren, Charlotte Edmonds (Steven), Shelby Stites, James Petko, Lexie Stites, and Caroline Stites; sister, Anne Stites; and a host of extended family and close friends. 

A funeral service for Mr. James Stites will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Louisville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home East, 11601 Ballardsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM, at the funeral home and prior to the funeral service from 12 PM to 1 PM. Burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens East will follow the funeral service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s memory to Old Orchard Christian Church (3600 Blackburn Ave, Ashland, KY 41101) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).