James Edward Long

James Edward Long, age 82, of Baskett in Henderson, KY, passed away at 10:40 a.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at his home under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice. Jim was born February 8, 1941, in La Clede, IL. His parents were the late James Richard Long and Audrey Clara Wagoner Long. He was one of eight children born to a strong and blessed marriage. Jim was united in marriage to his highschool sweetheart, Nancy Lyman Williams on August 17, 1963, at Baskett Christian Church. He received his Bachelors Degree and two Masters Degrees from Murray State University. Jim retired in January 2008 after 43 meaningful and distinguished years of service in teaching to children and adults of Henderson County. His first year of teaching was at Barrett Junior High School, later becoming principal of Smith Mills Elementary. His time at Barrett and Smith Mills may be categorized as holding many fond memories. He had wonderful parental support and a superb working relationship with the staff and students. During the next 14 years, he taught and was the Student Financial Aid/Guidance Counselor at Henderson Community College. While at HCC, he attained the rank of full professor in the University of Kentucky Community College System. Jim became the principal of North Junior High School and remained there for 6 years. As principal, Jim started the Educational Travel program and the Bonnett program (with the guidance of Roy Pullam). He felt he had a great support group of teachers at NJHS and with their love and loyalty, many new programs were created for the students. His wife Nancy said he could always see the “big picture”; consequently, this characteristic was most helpful in all of his endeavors. Jim became the first Director of Personnel for the Henderson County School System in 1986, a position he held until his retirement in January of 2008. Jim was an athlete, receiving varsity letters in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball during his sophomore, junior, and senior years at Henderson County High School. It was these sports, plus an officiating class at Murray State University that led him to officiating basketball and football over a 27-year period. He officiated at the highschoool and college level, working over 1600 games in his career. The highlights of this involvement were officiating three basketball games in the 1985 Kentucky Boys High School Sweet Sixteen Tournament at Rupp Arena and two 4-A Finals in Kentucky High School football in 1977 and 1979. He always felt he should give back to his community. Over the years he served on many boards including the Baskett Christian Church, Baskett Recreation League, Baskett Volunteer Fire Department, Baskett Cemetery, Henderson County/Ohio Valley United Way, Henderson Community College Advisory Board, University of Kentucky Community College Senate, Henderson County Health Care Corporation/Redbanks, Henderson Union Electric/Kenergy, Big Rivers, Hugh Edward Sandefur Center, Kentucky Human Resources Association, and the Henderson County Public Library. During the centennial celebration of Baskett in 1988, Jim put up 80 plus flags throughout the community. After the celebration he continued to adorn the community with flags on celebratory days. Furthermore, upon the death of a community member, flags were placed on Baskett Lane and around the Baskett Cemetery. His creativity not only included putting up flags, building a home, and being an educator. In 1973, with the help of others, he turned a coal mine dump into a playground area and ball field for children and adults to enjoy. Grants were written and the Henderson County Court provided funds for lighting and helped with the leveling of the field. Jim’s idea for the park is still alive and is greatly used in the summer months. Jim loved the USA, particularly Kentucky and Baskett; however he also loved to travel and had set a goal as a third grader to see all 48 states (then 2 more were added). He and Nancy attained that goal of touring all 50 states and all of their capitals, however he always said the best part of all the travels was that turn off of US 60 onto Baskett Lane, which led to home. The true inspiration of his life was his family; thus, he greatly enjoyed the home which he, his wife and her dad Thomas built. The home has served the family well by providing many beautiful memories of dinner parties, showers, weddings, and grand Christmas celebrations, plus many hours of family being together. The name “Sir” affectionately became the name he was called by his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Buster” Long; and sisters: Lela Mae Long Burnett and Irma Jean Kruenegel. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Long; daughter, Abbie Sue Zastawny (Edward); son, James Brennan Long; four grandchildren: Ethan Edward Zastawny, Brennan Michael Zastawny, Lillian Veatrice Long, and Hannah Claire Long; brothers, Scottie Joe Long (Cindy) and John Robert Long; sisters, Shirley Roberts and Sharon Boston Utley (Buddy). Also surviving are sister-in-law, Sue Beasley Williams, and brother-in-law, Jonathan Williams (Linda). He was also blessed with many loving nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s Life Celebration from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Benton-Glunt and Tapp Funeral Home in Henderson, KY. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Minister Jim Westmoreland and Jim Long’s niece Lee Ann Oliver officiating. A private burial will be held at the Baskett Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: Baskett Christian Church (7478 Carson Dr Henderson KY 42420) or the Baskett Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com.

James Edward Long

February 8, 1941 - November 21, 2023