James Robert Cornwell (1936 – 2024)
James Robert Cornwell, 88, beloved husband of the late Mary Elizabeth Stinson Cornwell, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend of many, sadly left this world early on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at the Greenwood Rehabilitation Facility in Bowling Green, Ky.
James lived his life on his own terms. He was a man of confidence and conviction, and his determination was witnessed and admired by all who knew him. Life’s challenges never shook him as he would always take things in stride while moving forward. In his mind, there was nothing he could not accomplish.
Born on August 14, 1936 in the Halifax area of Scottsville, Ky., he was the first-born child of Vivan and Hazel Cornwell. His birth was followed by three sisters, Rea, Roxie and May.
In his early years, he lived and worked as a farmer raising and milking cows, harvesting hay, tobacco and corn. Later in life, he started his own lawncare company which he operated for the next 40 years. He loved this hard work and gained respect and appreciation from his countless customers over the years.
He was an avid lover of country music and at last count had written close to 50 songs throughout his lifetime. If you knew him, you knew about his passion for music, and he would constantly share his latest song with anyone he met including complete strangers.
He was a devout Christian and believer of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was called to preach the word of God in 1980 at the age of 44. In his efforts to spread God’s love, he personally funded his own radio show on Scottsville’s WLCK radio station every Saturday morning for many years. His faith was core to who he was and how he lived his life moving forward.
He is survived by his five children: Ricky Cornwell (Teresa) Scottsville, Loria Cornwell (Johnny Fulcher), Scottsville, Mike Cornwell (Donna), Scottsville, Steve Cornwell (Kent Gregoire), Boston, Mass., and Mark Cornwell, Scottsville; seven Grandchildren: Natasha Burch, Scottsville, James Lee Cornwell (Jory), Scottsville, Maleiah Creeger, Glasgow, Ky., Matthew Cornwell, Scottsville, Jacob Cornwell (Brittany), Scottsville, Macey Weaver (Dylan), Ruston, La., and Katie Towe (Dustin), Scottsville; eight great grandchildren: Reagan Burch, Kinsley Creeger, Parker Perkins, Liam Creeger, Ella Burch Stewart, John Ross Cornwell, Wade Weaver and James Axton Towe; two step-great grandsons: Noah Towe and Julien Meredith; two sisters: Roxie Shipley, Scottsville and May Weaks (Ronnie), Bowling Green, Ky.
He is pre-deceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Elizabeth Stinson Cornwell; his parents, Vivan and Hazel Cornwell and a sister, Rea Johnson.
Visitation was Sunday, Dec. 1 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Monday, Dec 2 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Central at the T. W. Crow & Sons Funeral Home in Scottsville, Ky.
Celebration of Life was held at 1 p.m. Central on December 2 at T.W. Crow & Son’s Funeral Home.
Burial was at Crescent Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.
All who knew and loved him were invited to attend. Please join us in celebrating the life he lived and shared with all of us.
