James Kerreye Humphrey

James Kerreye Humphrey, 71, Marion, IN, passed away at 7:40 am on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Colonial Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, on Thursday, December 09, 1954, to William and Eva (Mitchell) Humphrey. James graduated from Marion High School in Indiana. He then left to go into the Army with his brother William Humphrey Jr. during the Vietnam Era. They did their basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. They later went their separate ways as their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) were different. James left for Germany for his first duty assignment as Ammunition specialist. While things were winding down in Vietnam, he spent most of his time on guard duty. He always received special privileges for having the best-looking uniform and spit-shined boots. James left Germany and ended his military career at Fort Dix, New Jersey, doing a total of 3 years of military active duty. Once back at home in Marion, James landed a job at the Marion Veterans (VA) Hospital. He worked there for 20 years as a food specialist, cooking meals for inpatient and staff. He also received numerous Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding work. In the Fall of 2005, James was called upon to go and serve people who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. While he was working for the VA Hospital, he was also honing in on his skills of becoming a pit-master. He developed an art of grilling, and his famous BBQ sauce recipe, made the meat fall off the bone and leave your mouth watering. When people asked him if they were good, He just replied “Your mouth will tell”. James is survived by his siblings, William Humphrey Jr., of Marion, IN, Ricky (Brenda) Humphrey, of Marion, IN, Larry (Della) Davis, of Pontiac, MI, Raymond (Diane) Humphrey, of Marion, IN, Atoya Ricks, of Marion, IN, and Fredricka (Walter) Oliphant, of Byron, GA, as well as several nephews and nieces. James was preceded in death by his parents and William and Eva (Mitchell) Humphrey, and his brother, Harry Davis.