James H. “Jimmie” Strong
June 24, 1945 – October 9, 2026
James H. Strong, known to many as Jimmie, passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2026, at the age of 81.
Born on June 24, 1945, in Breathitt County, Kentucky, Jim was the son of the late Offitt and Grace (Palmer) Strong of Athol, Kentucky.
Jim was a fun-loving child with many friends and a special place in his grandmother Palmer’s heart. He was her favorite and grew up surrounded by family, friendships, and memories that remained important throughout his life. Even as a boy, Jim had a soft spot for animals. He had several dogs while growing up and loved them dearly.
As a young man, Jim left Kentucky and moved to Northwest Indiana in search of work. He spent most of his adult life there, building a career in the steel industry and providing for his family. After retiring, he continued his journey, living in New York and Texas before Tennessee became his final home. No matter where life took him, he always returned to Kentucky to visit family and friends.
Jim devoted much of his working life to the steel industry in Northwest Indiana. As a millwright, he helped keep the mills running while providing for his family. Through hard work, experience, and dedication, he went on to serve in a union leadership role, overseeing contracting-out activities. His career reflected his knowledge of the steel industry and his commitment to the working people he represented.
Providing for his family was central to Jim’s life. He belonged to a generation that understood the value of hard work, responsibility, and the sacrifices required to build a life for those he loved.
His legacy extended far beyond his years in the steel mills. The words chosen for his memorial capture what mattered most about the life he lived: “He Helped Many.” Those words speak to the people he assisted, the relationships he built, and the difference he made in the lives of others.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth Vaala Strong, and their daughter, Mali Strong. He is also survived by his son, James “Scotty” Strong; Scotty’s mother and Jim’s first wife, Barbara Lou Strong; his grandchildren, James Scott Strong II and Sarah Elizabeth Strong; and his brother, Freddie Strong, and Fred’s wife, Rebecca. His family also looks forward to welcoming his great-grandchild, Landree Ward, expected to arrive in April.
Jim always said his children were “well spread,” a fitting reflection of a family connected across places and generations.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jean Strong Spencer, and her husband, Henry Potter Spencer, of Athol, Kentucky; and his brothers, Bobby Jack Strong and Billy Strong, who passed away at a very young age.
A memorial gathering will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, at Thatcher Barbecue Company near Natural Bridge. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please let the family know how many people will be coming so food can be ordered.
The following morning, Jim’s ashes will be laid to rest at Strong Cemetery in Athol, Kentucky, returning him to the family land where his roots began.
From the fun-loving boy in Breathitt County to the hardworking millwright and union leader in Northwest Indiana, Jim lived a life filled with friendships, family, hard work, and service to others. His journey took him across the country, but Kentucky always called him home.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
“HE HELPED MANY.”
God be with him; he is back with Offitt and Grace now.
