James Kelly French

J

ames Kelly French, age 76, of Irvington, KY, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with his family by his side.

He was born in Webster, KY, on February 8, 1950, son of the late Nancy Kathryn Dutschke French Nottingham, and the late James Morton French. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman and Mary Dutschke and Charlie and Lottie French; as well as a nephew, Travis French.  

Kelly retired from SYSCO Louisville Food Service. INC. after 44 years. He was a faithful and active member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a treasurer. He had also spent time as a deacon at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Breckinridge County High School and was always heavily involved in sports. Whether he was playing football for the Tigers, softball for the Webster Cateyes, or showing off his other abilities in basketball, ping pong, carrom, and rook, he excelled at everything he did. Kelly was selfless beyond words and kind beyond compare. His gentle heart and fierce love made him as “perfect as perfect can get”. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love, and generosity that will be known for generations to come.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carolyn Ann French; children, Belinda French of Nashville, TN and Brian French of Scottsville, KY; sisters, Alice Ann French and Sherry Susan (Ginger) Wilson; brothers, Robert Owinn (Janet) French and Jerry Neal (Terri) French; granddaughter, Hannah (Nick) Hayford; a host of nieces and nephews; and a community who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be held at the Alexander Funeral Home in Irvington, KY, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5-8:00 P.M. EST and Wednesday, from 9-10:00 A.M. EST.

Funeral Services will be held at Walnut Grove Baptist Church (101 Walnut Grove Church Lane, Irvington, KY 40146) on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. EST. Family will be available for visiting at the church after 10:30 A.M. EST.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the funeral home to assist the family during this time.