Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't really go away, but finding a way to honor them helps. If you're looking for j w call funeral home obituaries, you're likely in the middle of that weight right now. Maybe you're searching for a specific name like James "Jim" Stratton or Lois Jean Stratton, both of whom the Pikeville community recently said goodbye to in early 2026. Or perhaps you just need to know where to send flowers for a visitation at the Hambley Boulevard location.
Honestly, the digital world makes this easier, but it can still feel like a maze when you're grieving. J.W. Call and Son Funeral Home has been a fixture in Pikeville, Kentucky, for generations. It isn't just a business; for many families in Pike County, it’s where they’ve gone for decades to handle their most difficult days.
Where to find the most recent j w call funeral home obituaries
The most direct way to find an obituary is through the official J.W. Call and Son website. They keep a running list that is updated as soon as arrangements are finalized.
You’ve probably noticed that Google results sometimes show older listings from third-party sites. While sites like Legacy or Tribute Archive are great for long-term records, the funeral home’s own "Obituary Listings" page is the gold standard for real-time info. For instance, if you were looking for details on Grover Stacey Fouts or Pearlie McCoy Crider toward the end of 2025, the local site had the visitation times before the newspapers even hit the stands.
Standard details you'll find in these obituaries include:
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- Full legal names and nicknames (like "Chuck" or "Sandy").
- Precise dates of birth and passing.
- Detailed service schedules, including whether the visitation is at the chapel or a local church like St. Francis Catholic.
- Memorial suggestions, such as planting a tree or specific floral shops like D.J.'s Petals & Bows.
Why some obituaries take longer to appear
Sometimes you search and find nothing. It's frustrating. Typically, there's a 24 to 48-hour gap between a passing and the public obituary. The staff—people like Gary K. Justice or Leah Hampton—work closely with the family to get the wording exactly right. They don't rush it. It's about accuracy, not speed.
The history behind the name
J.W. Call and Son isn't a new operation. It’s rooted in the history of Pikeville. One of the most notable figures in their history was John Perry Call, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 91. He was a World War II veteran, a member of the 101st Airborne who jumped on D-Day. When people look up j w call funeral home obituaries, they are tapping into a legacy that includes heroes like him.
The funeral home is currently owned by Gary K. Justice. He grew up in the business, following his father Perry A. Justice. Now, his son Brandt Justice is part of the team too. This kind of multi-generational continuity is rare these days. It means when you call them, you aren't talking to a corporate call center; you're talking to people who likely knew your neighbors or your grandparents.
Navigating the Hambley Boulevard location
If the obituary mentions a service at the funeral home, you'll be heading to 703 Hambley Blvd, Pikeville, KY 41501.
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Parking can get tight during large services. If you're coming from out of town, there are several local spots to stay, like the Hilton Garden Inn or the Hampton Inn on Cassady Blvd. The funeral home staff usually keeps a list of these for families traveling from across Kentucky or neighboring states.
Helpful local resources for mourners
When a death occurs, the logistics are endless. The J.W. Call website actually lists specific local florists they work with frequently. This is helpful because these shops know exactly where to deliver and when the viewing starts.
- Pikeville Floral
- Gwen’s Floral Boutique
- Levi’s Floral
Using a local shop often ensures the flowers arrive fresh and are placed correctly before the family arrives.
Understanding the "Restorative Art" reputation
One thing that sets this specific funeral home apart is their emphasis on restorative art. Both William Meade and Brandt Justice are recipients of awards in this field from the Mid-America College of Funeral Service.
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Why does this matter for an obituary search? Because many families choose an open casket for their "Celebration of Life" services. Having staff that specializes in restorative art provides a sense of peace for the family during that final goodbye. It’s a technical skill that carries a lot of emotional weight.
Practical steps for finding a specific record
If you are searching for a record from several years ago, the online listings might be archived. Here is what you can do:
- Use the Search Bar: On the J.W. Call website, there is a magnifying glass icon. Type the last name only first; it’s less likely to fail if there’s a typo in the first name.
- Check Tribute Archive: This site often mirrors the local funeral home's data and keeps it accessible even after the main site moves it to the archives.
- Contact the Office: If it’s a legal or genealogical need, call (606) 437-6228. They have records that predate the internet.
Obituaries serve as more than just a notification. They are a record of a life lived in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Whether it's a veteran like John Perry Call or a centenarian like Lois Jean Stratton, these digital pages hold the stories of the community.
If you need to check current arrangements or send a message of condolence to a family currently being served, visit the official j w call funeral home obituaries page and use the "Send Flowers" or "Share a Memory" feature directly on the individual's profile to ensure the family receives your support.