Dr. James Arthur ‘Doc’ Wolfe Sr.

Published 8:00 am Monday, December 11, 2023

Dr. James Arthur “Doc” Wolfe, Sr., 85, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, at his home.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Karen Slifer Wolfe. His daughter, Julie Wolfe Eaton (Chris) and his son, James Arthur “Jay” Wolfe, Jr. (Melissa). He is also survived by six grandchildren, Hunter and Claire Eaton and Ciara, Caydence, Canyon, and Charlee Wolfe. His love for his family will be forever missed.

Dr. Wolfe was born February 21, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of the late E. J. “Al” Wolfe and Esthel C. Wolfe. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carol Wolfe Klein, and his great nephew, Joshua Wisner.

Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Airforce, rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was certified as an F-86 pilot and served as a T-33 instructor pilot until 1963. He then entered veterinary medical school at the University of Missouri and transferred his military service to the U. S. Army Reserves. Dr. Wolfe was the Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of the 888th Army Veterinary Medical Corps – Lexington, Kentucky and at the time of his retirement, his service to his country totaled 34 years. He joined the U. S. Department of Agriculture as a veterinarian in 1971 and became certified as a foreign animal disease diagnostician. As a veterinarian, Dr. Wolfe played in integral role in the eradication of bovine brucellosis in Kentucky. His veterinary career spanned 27 years.

Dr. Wolfe was a long time member of Broadway United Methodist Church and the YES (Young Enough to Serve) group for seniors. Throughout his life, he loved the Lord. He never stopped studying the bible and knelt every day to pray. God gave him a heart for service that included a love for military veterans. He received a 20-year volunteer recognition from The American Legion for transporting veterans to receive healthcare services.

Dr. Wolfe never lost his passion for all things aeronautical, especially flying his own airplanes. His favorite airplane was his red and white Cessna 172 Skyhawk. He was also a faithful fan of his hometown teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Broadway United Methodist Church at 12:00 P.M. Visitation will be conducted at the church from 10:00 A.M. Tuesday until time of services.

Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Broadway United Methodist Church, Med Center Health Foundation or Hospice of Southern Kentucky.