James Robert "JR" Beliles

James Robert "JR" Beliles, age 86, of Morgantown, KY passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky.  He was born in Logansport, KY on Dec. 8, 1938. He was a member of Morgantown First United Methodist Church.  He served the students of Butler Co. for many years.  He began as a teacher and transitioned to DPP, Assistant Principal and Principal at Morgantown Elementary.  After retiring in 1993 he wrote the grant and opened the first Family Resource Center for families of Butler Co.  JR enjoyed fishing, country and western dancing and bragging about his grandsons.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Smith Beliles; parents William Eugene and Nellie Marie Hoops Beliles and one sister Ruth Ann Beliles Hunt.

He is survived by his daughters Cathryn Annell Browning (J. Pat Stewart) and Robbi Johnson (Brian); grandchildren Kenton James Embry, Tyler Keith Johnson, Clay Willis Johnson (Camille) and Cole William Johnson (fiance’ Brianna Dennis); great- granddaughters Madalyn Grace and Rayleigh Mae Johnson; brother-in-law David Hunt; a niece and two nephews.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 11:00am at Smith Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Maguffee officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bethel Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and Thursday, Oct. 30 from 9:00am until 11:00am at Smith Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Gideons International.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Robert "JR" Beliles, please visit our floral store.