James Alexander Rose, Jr., Louisville, passed away Friday, October 13, 2017, surrounded by family. Born May 25, 1938, in Clark County, Kentucky, he was the eldest son of James A. Rose and Margaret Leona Coldiron. He was married to Betty Louise Pace of Clark Co., Ky.

His love for agriculture never waivered, beginning as a young boy working on his family’s farm in Winchester, Kentucky. He bought his first farm when he was 19 years old, and received the American Farmer Degree from the Future Farmers of America. He was named as one of the top young farmers in the state by the Kentucky Young Farmer Association, of which he was President. He was Supervisor of the Clark County Conservation District from 1964-1966. He served his country when his Army Reserve unit was called to active duty at Ft Chaffee Arkansas.

He and Betty would eventually settle on his father’s land in Shelbyville, Kentucky, enlarging it to a 1,000-acre operation, where he raised his family and became a champion of farmers, land preservation and the rural way of life.

A tireless community servant, his record of engagement includes serving more than 20 years on the Kentucky State Board of Agriculture appointed by four governors. He received the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Shelby County Conservation District for his 25 years of service from 1967-1992, of which he served as Chairman. He was director and Chairman of the Federal Land Bank of Shelbyville and was Vice Chairman of the Farm Credit Bank of Louisville.

His was politicly engaged, serving as co-campaign manager of Brereton Jones’s successful Lieutenant Governor campaign.

In 2003, when he retired from active farming, he realized his dream of owning land in Central Illinois and continued his tutelage of young farmers. He also returned to his love of riding cutting horses, hunting with his brothers and friends, and enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Pace Rose, his son, James A. Rose III (Susann), of Louisville, daughter Melissa Rose of Lexington, and three grand-children, Emma, Kate and Maddie Rose of Louisville. Brothers John Eck Rose and Robert Lee Rose (Paula), both of Winchester, sisters Rose Marie Ridgway (Bob), Silver Springs, Maryland, and Mary Jane Russell (Tom), Troy, Michigan, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and grand-son Jack Rose.

Services to be held at First United Methodist Church, 204 South Main Street, Winchester, Ky, 40391. Visitation to be from 10am-12pm on Tuesday, Oct. 17, with a memorial service at 12pm. Burial to follow at Winchester Cemetery. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Scobee Funeral Home, 859-744-2422. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his name to a charity of your choice.