James Alan Myers

James Alan Myers

October 11, 1954 – April 30, 2026

James Alan Myers, our Jim, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 30, 2026, far too

soon and leaving behind a space that can never truly be filled. Born on October 11, 1954, in

Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of James Edward Myers and Patricia Myers, who both

preceded him in death.

Jim was a proud and loving father whose presence, wisdom, and humor shaped the lives of his

children in lasting ways. He is survived by his children, Cassandra (Thomas) Hood, Emily

Myers, Austin Webb, and Alexandria (Ian) Myers, and by his grandchildren, Aiden and Grayson,

who were a constant source of pride and joy in his life. He is also survived by his sister,

Katherine (Michael) Bowles; his brothers, Brian Myers and Dan (Maureen) Myers; and his

nieces and nephews, Leigh Anne, Jeffrey, Daniel, Kelly, Tyler, and Tanner.

He shared 24 years of marriage with his spouse, Sunshine. While they separated in 2021, they

remained close friends and continued to care deeply for one another, a reflection of the respect,

history, and bond they built over many years together.

Jim leaves behind his best friend, Charlie Martin, who was not just a friend but family. The two

shared a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and stories that will continue to be told for years to

come.

Jim truly never knew a stranger. Anywhere he went, he made friends, real ones. Conversations

came easy to him, and whether you had known him for five minutes or five decades, he made

you feel like you mattered.

He started working at just 13 years old, a reflection of the work ethic he carried throughout his

life. His love for cooking began early and grew into a lifelong passion. He became a chef at a

young age, later worked in sales for Sysco, and in 1998 opened Rio’s Steakhouse in

Shepherdsville, Kentucky, which he proudly ran until 2008. He went on to serve as an executive

chef, traveling the country running kitchens for oil workers until his retirement in 2020.

Retirement did not last long. Jim was not meant to sit still. He found his way back to what he

loved most, people. Door Dashing around Shepherdsville and Louisville, he turned even the

smallest interactions into meaningful connections.

At just 15 years old, Jim took off on one of the adventures he loved to talk about most,

Woodstock. Music stayed with him his whole life, and while he loved it all, the Rolling Stones

were always his favorite.

After a heart attack in 2020, Jim made a choice to live differently. He slowed down just enough

to appreciate more, and he reminded all of us often that every single moment is a gift. At every

birthday, he would laugh and say he never thought he would make it this far, but he was aiming

for 80.

That was Jim, grateful, hopeful, and always looking forward.

He will be remembered for his stories that never seemed to end, his long phone calls, his love of

coffee, his incredible cooking, and the way he showed up, especially when it mattered most. He

was the voice of reason when things felt overwhelming, the biggest supporter in difficult times,

and the kind of dad and grandfather whose love was steady, strong, and deeply felt in his own

way.

More than anything, Jim will be remembered for how deeply he loved and how easily he made

others feel that love in return.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

Family and friends who wish to attend are invited to contact the family for service details.

He will be missed beyond words, loved beyond measure, and remembered in every story, every

laugh, and every quiet moment in between.