Evangelist James W. “Jimmy” Rose, age 99, of Morehead, formerly of Cynthiana, evangelist, minister, teacher and coach, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 24, 2023, at his home.
Born April 5, 1923, in Carter County, Jimmy was the son of Dr. and State Senator James Madison Rose and Violette Oda Fultz Rose. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 76 years, Jo Ann Holbrook Rose, who passed away on June 1, 2022; one son, James David Rose; two brothers, Dr. Gilbert Rose and Gayle Rose; and one sister, Marjorie Rose Knight.
Jimmy is survived by one daughter, Deborah Jo Hudson of Morehead; one sister, Carolyn Sue Rose Wile of Lexington; one granddaughter, Kristen Barnes of Los Angeles, California; one grandson, Michael Houston Rose of Morehead; two great granddaughters, Hallie Barnes and Ella Barnes, both of Ft. Thomas; two nephews, Mark Robbins and Jeff Robbins; as well as many beloved friends who stayed in touch with him and his ministry to the very end.
At the onset of World War II, Jimmy received an emergency teaching certificate and began teaching history and coaching the basketball team at Olive Hill High School. In 1944, Jimmie took the West Carter Comets, including his brother Gayle Rose, to state finals for the first time and won. At age 20, he became the youngest coach to ever take his team to the Kentucky State High School Basketball Tournament. During the next four years at Olive Hill and three years at Paris High School, Jimmy had a remarkable record. His teams made two trips to the state tournament and in 1946 was recognized for the most wins in one season when the Comets won 49 games.
After a spiritual blessing at the Asbury College Revival of 1950, Jimmy resigned as coach of the Paris Greyhounds (even after experiencing success and being honored by great coaches and great people across the state) and at age 27 began Christian service full time. That fall he entered Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and later attended Emory Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA.
Jimmy, supported and encouraged by Jo Ann, his devoted wife of 76 years, used his passion for coaching and leadership in his ministry. During his evangelizing, he held more than 650 revival crusades logging half a million miles across the nation; founded and organized the Aloma United Methodist Church in Winter Park, Florida; and influenced lives of countless people along his earthly journey.
Always humble, Jimmy stated in Gracious Memories, “I have been. . . an imperfect expression in my life of the perfect Christ…. being called of God and his Christ and the Holy Spirit to serve him in full-time service was, is, and will always be the greatest honor that I have ever received.”
Throughout his life, he loved the Lord, his family, and a good UK game to chat about with his friends. Jimmy Rose will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals with the Rev. Aaron Mansfield and Chaplain Jesse Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Olive Hill.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.
View or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com
