James Earl "Slim Jim" Housden, 87, of Symsonia, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Continue Care Hospital of Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky.

James was born on April 24, 1938, in McCracken County, Kentucky, to the late Curtis and Noma Lee Smith Housden. He worked as a millwright at GAF Manufacturing / ISP Chemicals in Calvert City, Kentucky, for over three decades. James’ work ethic started early on as he began working alongside his Grandpa Smith on his farm when he was a young boy. He also learned to cook at a young age with firsthand instruction from his great-grandmother, Ma, on days he wasn’t able to help on the farm.

James' dedication to his work was only matched by his devotion to his faith and community. A member of the New Harmony Missionary Baptist Churc

See Full Page