Obituary of James Sandlin

Mr. James H. Sandlin, 94, passed away July 22, 2023, in Saint Matthews, Kentucky. As he would say, “time marches on”, and so does his legacy. Mr. Sandlin was the youngest of seven children, born to Emma Hacker Sandlin and Joseph Eversole Sandlin of Chavies, KY. In addition to his parents and siblings he was also preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Odell Sandlin. At the age of 3, Mr. Sandlin was taken to the Masonic home in Louisville, at that time an orphanage. His father had passed away when Jim was only 3 months old, and his mother could no longer care for the children. He had three siblings who went to the home with him. In 1946, he left the home and finished high school in Berea, KY. After finishing high school, he wanted to attend college, so he joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War. This afforded him the opportunity to attend the University of Kentucky, where he met his wife. Mr. Sandlin graduated from UK with a Master’s degree and then served as a teacher in Louisville and at Bridgeport Elementary in Frankfort. He was also principal at Thorn Hill Elementary School and assistant principal at Franklin County High School its opening year. Mr. Sandlin went on to work in state government, where he held many upper-level positions. He retired in 1999. Mr. Sandlin was an inspiration to many, given the life he lived and the obstacles he overcame. He always had a smile, joke, and / or a silly song to share with those who he came into contact with. Mr. Sandlin was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Hiram Lodge #4, Frankfort. He had a love of music ranging from classical to Frank Sinatra to Willie Nelson. Left behind to carry on are his son, Ralph (Darla) and daughter, Leslie Hageman (Jim), both of Frankfort; his grandchildren, Lindsey Searcy (Shane), and Evan Sandlin (Ashley); his great-grandchildren, Kaysley Searcy and Wyatt Sandlin; and his step-great-grandchildren, Karson Searcy and Derek Sandifer. Visitation will be at Rogers Funeral Home from 10:00 to 10:45 am on Friday, July 28th, followed by a Masonic ceremony at 10:45. A graveside service will be held in the Frankfort Cemetery at 11:30 am, with Pastor Josh Rucker officiating and military honors provided by VFW Post 4075. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ashley Sandlin, Jim Hageman, and Mr. Sandlin’s great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home of Louisville, Hiram Lodge #4, Frankfort or Franklin County High School FFA.