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Few could match his ability to breathe new life into battered tools and forgotten treasures.

James Robert Long, Jr., beloved husband, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on May 2, 1937, James spent a lifetime devoted to his family, his craft, and the simple joys that brought him contentment.

To those who knew him in Bowling Green, James was affectionately known as “The Tool Man,” an enduring nickname for a man whose hands were rarely idle. With a lifelong passion for farming and a remarkable talent for tinkering, repairing, and restoring, James made a name for himself as a self-employed flea marketer. Few could match his ability to breathe new life into battered tools and forgotten treasures. His workbench, always busy, became a gathering place for stories, laughter, and lessons shared in the gentle rhythm of his labor.

James’s heart, however, was never far from the outdoors. Whether casting a line in a quiet pond, setting up camp beneath a canopy of Kentucky stars, or tending the land with care, he relished every moment spent outside. These simple pleasures—fishing trips, afternoons repairing a beloved tractor, or long walks through the countryside—brought James peace and fulfillment.

Those closest to James knew that, above all, he cherished time spent in the company of loved ones. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Cindy Long, who was his constant companion, support, and dearest friend throughout their years together. His beloved children and grandchildren, sister, Sara Stovall, survives him as well, carrying with her the fond memories and enduring bonds of their shared childhood and adult lives.

James is preceded in death by his father, Robert Long Sr.; his mother, Francis Cage; his sisters Betty, Martha, and Viola; his brothers, Joe and  Charles; and his cherished grandson Brayden. Each one held a special place in his heart, and their memories remained a source of comfort and inspiration to him.

A man of few words but profound kindness, James leaves behind a legacy marked by humble wisdom, unshakable devotion, and innumerable acts of quiet generosity. His lasting example is found not only in the things he repaired and restored but in the love he showed his family and the simple pleasures he always treasured. The stories, laughter, and lessons he shared remain with those who knew him, stretching far beyond the boundaries of a single life.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate James’s life on August 17, 2026, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 375 Cedar Grove Rd, Olmstead, KY 42265. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at the same location.

James Robert Long, Jr. will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him, his memory cherished by those he loved and those whose lives he touched.