James Noel McGrew Jr., 78, of Hartford, KY, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on March 31, 1948 in Louisville, KY to the late Eula Mae and James McGrew Sr.
James was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He retired from TVA after 42 years of work as a pipefitter. He was a founding member of New Hope Baptist Church in Fordsville. James was the current Chief of Dundee Fire Department and also had a long history of serving on Fordsville and Rockport Volunteer Fire Departments. He enjoyed the rodeo, horseback riding, and making music.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives Jimmie Len McGrew and Linda Payne McGrew; and sister Betty Sapp.
He is survived by his daughter Christy McGrew (Dutch); grandchildren Kylie Webb (Matthew), Bridgette Withrow, Nathaniel “Cash” Sellers and many step-grandchildren; sister and caregiver Bobbie McGrew; sisters Brenda Durbin, Polly Wayne (Farrell), Jennie Maiden; special friend Cynthia Johnson; his beloved dogs Gidget and Rocky; and many church, fire department and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held at 3pm Sunday, June 14, 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church in Fordsville with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4pm to 8pm at Geary Funeral Home in Fordsville and Sunday from 1pm until service time at the church.