Obituary of James Michael "Mike" Fleming

James Michael (Mike) Fleming (67), husband of Debbie Howes Fleming, died peacefully at his Frankfort home on Sunday, May 24. Born in Lexington, but a lifelong resident of Frankfort, Mike was the son of the late Edith Murrell Gaines and James T. (Jim) Fleming. He was also preceded in death by his best friend and cousin Bryant Peavler. Mike grew up in south Frankfort where he enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball and basketball. He attended Good Shepherd School and Frankfort High School where he excelled in both sports. One of his fondest memories was attending basketball camp at Camp Wahoo in Virginia. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BA degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law. He began his legal career as a lawyer in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. He also held positions in Natural Resources, Division of Law, in the Legislative Research Commission and in the Department of Insurance. After his career as a lawyer in State Government, he retired to assist with the running of the family business, BS Gaines Rentals, LLC. A true Kentuckian, Mike loved his hometown of Frankfort, Keeneland, and all things horse racing. He was a dedicated numismatist and loved animals, especially Miss Chloe, the dog and Mr. Cat (Tommy). Mike was a behind the scenes volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Hospice of the Bluegrass, March of Dimes and Thorn Hill Education Center. He gave unselfishly of his time to the efforts of these organizations. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Laura (Ed), granddaughter Sophie and grandson John Michael of Louisville. His sister, Dr. Barbara Fleming (Kevin) Phillips, niece Grace and nephew Nolan of Lexington. Cousin Leslie (Doug) Durso of Frankfort and their children Erica (Brad) Grable and Chris (Robin) Durso. Stepdaughter Dr. Andrea (Jay) Wethington, granddaughter Matilda and grandson James Alexander of Owensboro and cousins Patty Peavler, Penny Peavler, and Maggie Peavler. Mike never met a stranger and loved talking to everyone. Many will remember him for his sense of humor, his intelligence, his big heart and his faith in people. A memorial celebration of the life of Mike Fleming, husband of Debbie Howes Fleming, will be held on August 1, 2015. The family invites his friends and acquaintances to join them to celebrate Mike’s life at the Women’s Club, 200 Washington Street, Frankfort from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. The family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Home or Life House for Animals.