James Campbell Milam, 84, a lifelong resident of Russellville, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Medical Center in Bowling Green.
James was born June 17, 1942 in Russellville to Sam and Justine Cook Milam. He was a proud graduate of Russellville High School, class of 1960, where he played football and was co-captain of the team his senior year. He attended the University of Kentucky and graduated from the UK College of Law in 1966 with a juris doctor degree.
He married his high school sweetheart, Clarkie Leedom, in May of 1964. They moved back to Russellville in the summer of 1966, and James began his law career with his father. He later opened his own law office on the square in downtown Russellville and continued practicing there for 60 years.
James was just a good guy who spent much of his life volunteering his services to the community he loved. He was known for his honesty and integrity. He was formerly president of the Russellville Jaycees and the Russellville-Logan County Chamber of Commerce. He devoted 38 years to the Russellville Independent Board of Education, serving as member and for many years as chairman. He truly believed in “once a Panther, always a Panther”.
He was Russellville City Attorney in the 1970’s and later served as Adairville City Attorney. He was currently the attorney for the Russellville-Logan County Zoning Board. He was also a member of Southern Heights Baptist Church.
Funeral Services will be Sunday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m. at Summers and Son Funeral Home. Visitation at the funeral home Sunday will be held from 10 a.m. until the service hour of 2 p.m. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. James’ good friend Phillip West will be officiating.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Clarkie Leedon Milam; his daughters, Holly Milam Watkins and Larance, and Brooke Milam, all of Russellville; his grandchildren, Milam Watkins and Karigan of Hopkinsville, Carleigh Phillips of Columbia, Fraley Watkins of Park City, Camden Phillips of Owensboro and Josh Jenkins and Chrissy of South Carolina; and his brothers, George Milam and Midge of Benton and Tandy (Bill) Milam and Jane of Westchester, Ohio.
Pallbearers will be Todd Harkleroad, Rodney Harkleroad, Ryan Fynboe, Corey Link, David Bowles and Phillip Alexander.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Russellville Independent Schools Alumni Association, PO Box 582, Russellville, KY 42276.