James Randall Cherry

James “Randy” Randall Cherry, 74, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. He was born on February 17, 1952, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Odis and Josephine Cherry.

Randy was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a hardworking man who spent 31 years working as a press operator for Reynolds Consumer Products before retiring. Randy was never afraid of hard work and would work day and night if that was what needed to be done. He was the kind of man who would drop whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. He never asked for anything in return and never hesitated to help others.

Randy was a laid-back, happy man who enjoyed a good time and the company of others. Being surrounded by good people, sharing stories, laughing, and listening to others brought him great joy. He was a genuinely good man who was loved and enjoyed by so many.

One of Randy’s greatest passions was hunting and fishing, with fishing being his absolute favorite pastime. He especially loved fishing with his son Jeremiah. Randy loved it so much that there were many times he would come home with enough fish to fill the bathtub. His favorite destination was Canada, where he enjoyed both hunting and fishing. One of his most memorable catches was a 66-pound catfish—nearly as big as Randy himself.

Randy also had a love for cars and vehicles. In his younger years, he raced cars at Charlestown Motor Speedway alongside his best friend, Dicky Wayne Richardson. He enjoyed the excitement of racing and the memories made with those closest to him.

Randy also shared a special love of bowling with Elaine. They enjoyed the game, but even more, they enjoyed spending time together and sharing those moments side by side.

Anyone who knew Randy knew he had a colorful personality and a great sense of humor. He would often jokingly say, “I can make a sailor blush,” a phrase that captured some of the fun and mischievous spirit that made him so memorable.

Above all, Randy was a family man. He treasured the people in his life and was always there when someone needed him. He was a great friend, a devoted family member, and the kind of person whose presence made others feel welcome. His generosity, laughter, stories, hardworking spirit, and willingness to help will never be forgotten.

He was a good man, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and someone who was simply a joy to be around. Randy will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Randy is preceded in death by his loving wife of 36 years, Elaine Waters Cherry; and his parents, Odis Cherry and Josephine Smith Cherry.

Left to cherish his memory, Randy is survived by his children, Jeremiah L. Cherry and Hope L. Cherry; grandchildren, Christopher Cherry, Brandon Cherry, JJ Pearson, and Krystal Johnson; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Whallen (Timothy); many cousins; and a host of extended family and close friends.

A funeral service for Mr. James “Randy” Cherry will be held at 1 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Louisville Memorial Gardens West Funeral Home, 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 1 PM at the funeral home, prior to the funeral service. Burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West will follow the funeral service.