James Haydren "Jim" Worley, age 78, of Stearns, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. He was placed in the care of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.

A life well-lived was honored during funeral services on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.  Following the service, Jim was laid to rest at the Pine Knot Cemetery where his memory will live on.

Jim was born on December 15, 1946, in Oneida, Tennessee, to Haydren and Mildred Hickman Worley. From a young age, he was part of a legacy of caring, as his family had a long-standing tradition of service in the funeral profession. Jim continued this tradition as a third-generation funeral director and embalmer. He took great pride in his work, and his dedication was evident throughout his career. From 1974 to 1987, he proudly owned Hickman Funeral Home, providing comfort and support to countless families during difficult times.

Jim graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in 1974 and later furthered his education by earning a degree in special education from Cumberland College in 1989. His passion for helping others led him to pursue a diverse career path, and after selling the funeral home, he worked at American Bag Corporation before finding fulfillment at Oakwood, where he ultimately retired.

While Jim was passionate about his work, his true joy came from his family and the time he spent with them. He was an avid sports fan, particularly a loyal supporter of the Atlanta Braves, and he enjoyed sharing this love for sports with his grandchildren. Jim loved camping, traveling, and getting lost in a good book. Above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Jamee, with whom he cherished moments swimming and playing basketball.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Haydren and Mildred Hickman Worley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Ruth Ann Worley, whom he married on October 17, 1980. Jim is also survived by his sons, Chris Worley (and wife, Linda) and Stanley Stephens, his daughter, Lisa Stephens, his sister, Rosalie Wright, and his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren—each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Jim's life was a reflection of his unwavering faith in family, community, and service. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love that will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of James Haydren "Jim" Worley.