Jimmy Ray McCown

Jimmy R. McCown, 78, of Chattaroy, WV, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at his residence.  He was born October 18, 1941 at McAndrews, KY, the son of the late Thomas J. and Frona “Smith” McCown.  

Jimmy was a United States Veteran, having served four years in the Air Force and two years in the reserve.  In addition to being an Air Force veteran, he was a Kentucky Colonel who taught banjo and fiddle at the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School in Whitesburg, KY.  He was the founding member of the Outdoor Plumbing Company, having played many places over the years including the Grand Ole Opry and touring many places across the country as well as Canada and Australia.  Music was his everyday life.  Jimmy was also a licensed pilot and airplane mechanic, having flown aircraft from experimental craft to the Beech Jet.  He was also a recording engineer for Riverside Recording Studio in Crum, WV, and a former electrician for American Electric Power.  Jimmy was a wonderful and memorable friend to anyone who knew him.  A few paragraphs cannot express the impact he has had on so many lives. 

Survivors remaining to honor his memory include his wife: Ada “Scott” McCown of Chattaroy, WV; two sons: Andy McCown of Chesapeake, OH, and Danny (Susan) McCown of Powhan, VA; sisters: Della Leake of North Port FL, Janet McCown of McAndrews, KY; grandchildren: Richard (Rachael) McCown, Jaqueline (Michael) Goodrich, Amanda Brooke McCown and Joshua Spraulin; great grandchildren: Lucy, Tag, and Arabella; nephews: Brian (Becky) Leake, Timmy (Dorina) Leake both of North Port, FL, and Marshall West of Phelps, KY, brother-in-law: Anderson (Jean) Scott of Germantown, TN; sister-in-law Rosetta Daiza of Orchard Lake, MI.  He is also survived by his friends in the music and pilot circles, as well as a host of many friends, extended family, and acquaintances.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 P.M Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the Belfry Freewill Baptist Church, Huddy, KY, with military honors being conducted by Belfry DAV Chapter 141.

Burial will follow in the Scott Cemetery, Mud Lick of Hardy, KY.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. Sunday until the time of services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, KY.  The guestbook may be signed at www.joneswestfh.com.

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