Jess McCoy

1946-2026

"A patriot's duty may end on the battlefield, but the legacy of courage, honor, and love lives on forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind."

Jess McCoy, age 80, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, entered into eternal rest on July 10, 2026, while resting at home.

Jess was born on May 24, 1946. He was the blessing of the late Ireland and Melinda Hunt McCoy. Jess left home at an early age to make his own path. At the age of 22, he joined up with America’s finest in the United States Army. Jess was very proud of his military days. It was a time in his life when he fought for freedom and shared bonds with his brothers in arms. Jess earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Two Overseas Bars, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Jess’s time in the army came to an end in 1970 but pride he felt remained in his heart for a lifetime. As a veteran he spent his days quietly enjoying the simple things in life.

Jess’s work ethic was something to behold he worked hard and perhaps that is why in his spare time he enjoyed quiet evenings at home. Jess will be remembered as a quiet man with a big heart. He never met a stranger that didn’t quickly become a friend. His gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of those that were blessed enough to have him in their lives.

Jess leaves behind four beloved children, Kristy McPeek and her husband Charles of Catlettsburg, KY, Angie Patton and her husband Lindsey of Ashland, KY, Roger Ferguson of Ashland, KY, and Edward Scott Ferguson of Catlettsburg, KY, a host of grandchildren including Addison, Drake, Erica, Jessica, Casey P., Josh, Luke, Zack, Erin, Stephanie, Donovan, Shayla, Casey F., Amanda, and Natasha. Also surviving is one brother Guy McCoy and Faye McCoy both of Columbus, OH, sisters Nola Martin Skeens of Kenova, WV, and Barb McCoy of Columbus, OH, and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his late parents, Jess is preceded in death by his former wife Linda Gale McCoy who passed in 1994 and later his wife Dottie Joan McCoy who passed in 2022 , brothers Jay McCoy, Joe McCoy, Ireland McCoy, Frank McCoy, and Ray McCoy, and his sisters, Nina Larson, and Gay Riley.

A visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home located at 2409 Center Street, Catlettsburg, KY from 1pm to 1:45pm. A graveside service will follow the visitation at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens beginning at 2pm, where active-duty Army and Post 93 of Kenova will provide a military service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.

Neal-Kilgore & Collier is honored to be serving the family of Jess McCoy.