James Darrell Crabtree, 79, of Madisonville, KY, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on January 30, 1946, in Madisonville, KY, to the late Julia Merrick Crabtree and William Crabtree. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. He enjoyed reading and collecting movies. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. James was of the Christian faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Eunice Crabtree; brothers, William Crabtree, Jr. Charles Crabtree, Herman Crabtree, and Kenneth Crabtree; and sisters, Ruth Coble, Sue Ausenbaugh, Dean Hook, and Megan Gish.

His survivors include his sons, Anthony Crabtree, Adam (Andria) Crabtree, Chris (Kaylee) Crabtree, John (Clariesa) Crabtree, all of Madisonville; brother, Carol (Lynn) Crabtree of Madisonville; twenty-one grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home with Minister Gayla Miller officiating. Burial to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. Military honors to be conducted by the Hopkins County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. on Friday until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Braiden Crabtree, Aiden Crabtree, Daymon Crabtree, Cody Crabtree, Bryan Crabtree, and Cameron Robinson.