James Royce Bacon

James Royce Bacon, age 77, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at his home.

Born in Munfordville, Kentucky, Jim was a son of the late James T. Bacon and Jessie Waddell Bacon. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Shawnee High School, and then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Witek DD-848 during the Vietnam era. He later retired from CSX Railroad, where he worked as a machinist.

He was an outstanding softball player in his youth, and later became an avid golfer.

He organized an annual golf trip for his friends and co-workers that has endured for more than 30 years. Aside from sports, Jim enjoyed spending time and volunteering at the Tri-County Elks Lodge #2826 in Corbin, where he was an active member until the time of his passing.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Suzanne Lynn Morrison, and two brothers, Kevin W. Bacon and Wendell R. Bacon.

Jim is survived by Bonnie Marshall Bacon, his wife of 57 years; two children, Denise Leigh Hoover (Tony) and James Royce Bacon, Jr.; five grandchildren, Anthony Dayne Hoover, Billy Gage Hoover, Michael Ross Reno, Taylor Leigh Morrison, and John Earl Morrison, III; two great-grandchildren, Logan Michael James Morrison and Averie Lynn Reno; a sister, Belva J. Howard (Lynn); a brother, Charles E. Bacon; a sister-in-law, Patty Bacon; and by several nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be from 2-5pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held at 5pm with the Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton officiating. Along with his daughter, Jim will be laid to rest on Wednesday, November 22 in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.

Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #88 of Corbin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's honor to Tri-County Elks Lodge #2826. To donate online, please select the “Tribute Fund” icon, and be assured that the family will be given a list of donors. Jim's had a passion for supporting local veterans and Kids with Cancer, a Kentucky Elks project that sends pediatric cancer patients to camp. Donations will benefit these groups.