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Wlaf1450James Ray Christopher, 85, of LaFollette died on July 20, 2026, in his home at LaFollette Assisted Living. Born July 26, 1940, in Pineville, KY. He retired from General Motors in Norwood, OH. He was a member of UAW and the Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd-degree Mason. During his time at General Motors, he enjoyed tournament fishing where he managed to win over 20 1st place trophies. He also enjoyed collecting Jewel T dishes, playing cards and Bingo, and spending time at his condo in Gatlinburg. He also always drove the latest new models of GM cars. After his first wife, Marge, passed away in Cincinnati and after retirement from a 30-year career, he moved to LaFollette to take care of his parents, Clyde and Ruby Christopher. During his time in LaFollette, he would visit the Senior Center and McDonald’s, where he built lasting friendships with the Community. At McDonald’s, they would meet daily, and sometime during this time his friends elected him president of Knowledge. He was a member of Cedar Hill Baptist Church. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dallas Christopher.
Survivors
Wife: Millie Hatmaker O’Rourke Christopher
Step-sons: Dennis O’Rourke and wife Renee and Paul O’Rourke
Grandchildren: Logan, Sarah, Shina, John, Katie, Raegan, and River
Great-Grandchildren: Amya, Jude, and Lilah
Sister Retha Brown and husband Joe
Several Nieces and Nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 24, 2026 from 1 PM until 2:45 PM with a Masonic Service at 2:45. Funeral service will follow in Cross-Smith Chapel. Rev Bryan Burge and Rev Doug Clem officiating. Interment following in Odd Fellow Cemetery at White Oak.
Arrangements made by Cross-Smith Funeral Home.
Condolences may be given online to the family at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com