James Harvey Pelfrey born on October 14, 1957 to Geather and Ann Pelfrey departed this life on Monday, August 31, 2026 at the age of 68 at his home surrounded by the love that defined his life. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Pelfrey, his sons: Jared (Whitney) Pelfrey, TJ (Hallie) Howard, and his daughter Shauna Beth Murrey.
Harvey’s greatest joy was his grandchildren: McKinley Pelfrey, Kenton Pelfrey, Korbyn Pelfrey, Mason Howard, Evan Howard, Walker Howard, and Penelope Howard. He loved each of them deeply and enjoyed every moment he spent with them. He is also survived by two sisters: Clara Pelfrey and Lavonne Combs, a special mother-in-law, Gloria Bryant, and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Geather and Ann Pelfrey, his brother, Danny Pelfrey, and his sister, Barbara Pelfrey.
Harvey was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and dedicated servant to his community. He was a man who wore many hats throughout his lifetime: former police officer, sheriff, administrator at the Three Forks Regional Jail, but to those who knew him best, his most important roles were being a husband, dad, grandfather, and friend. He had a way of belonging wherever he went. Home was his favorite place, and the people around his table his greatest pride.
He was a member of the Beattyville Church of the Nazarene, where his faith became an important part of his life. He believed in treating people with kindness, dignity, and respect, no matter who they were or where they came from. One of the things that made Harvey so special was that he never judged a person by their circumstance. Whether someone was a criminal or a saint, he treated them with the same fairness, compassion, and respect.
His family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He cherished his children and grandchildren rarely missing the opportunity to be there for them. If one of his grandchildren was playing a game you could find him in the stands cheering them on and proudly pointing out which kid was his. The sacrifices he made to be present at their sporting events meant more than he probably ever realized. He was their biggest fan and they will carry those memories throughout their lifetime.
Harvey also had gift for friendship. He made friends wherever life took him and was blessed with many people who loved and respected him. To know him was to love him. He would talk with you, laugh with you, listen to you, and whether you agreed with him or not, he probably had a few things to say about politics or UK basketball. He never met a stranger and could form a friendship with a single conversation.
His years in law enforcement and corrections were more than a career; they were a reflection of the person he was and the commitment he had to serving others. Despite the circumstances, Harvey saw a person that deserved respect. He was a true example of treating others the way you would want to be treated. The impact he made on the countless people he encountered during his time in corrections will be long lived for years to come.
Harvey leaves behind a true legacy touching the lives of so many. A loving husband, dad, and grandfather, a loyal friend and a man who truly loved his entire community- he will never be forgotten. He showed up for the ones he loved and left this world being loved by so many.
Jared Pelfrey, TJ Howard, Mason Howard, Joe Lucas, Steve Mays, Cory Dunaway, Corbett Dunaway, and Danny Castle have the honor of serving as pallbearers.
