James "Jim" Judy

JUDY, James S., former president of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF), died September 16, 2017 at his home in Prospect. He was 77. Judy was born and reared in Covington, KY. He attended Holmes High School and graduated from the University of Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his mother, Juliet Elizabeth Smith; father, O. G. Judy; and sister, Agnes Rose Redmond. Judy headed KAHCF, the trade association that represents long term care facilities across the Commonwealth, from 1979 until his retirement in October 1999. Under his tenure the association grew to represent over 300 facilities and encompassed four additional organizations including: Statewide Health Services; National Claims Administrators; Nightingale Insurance, LTD.; and the Kentucky Health Care Foundation, Inc. In 1995 he served as national president of the American Society of Health Care Executives. Judy came to KAHCF from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky where he had been employed for 17 years. While at Blue Cross, he served various positions including Director of Public Relations and Advertising. As a graduate student at Xavier University he wrote “The History of Kentucky Blue Cross”. Judy graduated in 1961 from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. He did graduate studies in Business Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity – Omega Chapter, and was recognized by that organization with the 1998 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award is presented annually for outstanding community achievement and service to the fraternity. He was past president of the Greater Cincinnati and Ft. Myers/Naples U of KY Alumni Clubs. Known for his strong involvement in the Louisville community, Judy was elected to the Kentucky Derby Festival Board in 1975. He served as President of the Kentucky Derby Festival in 1981. Under his tenure, the first Festival poster, by artist Peter Max, was unveiled, starting a tradition that continues to this day and he insisted that Louisville’s favorite son, Muhammad Ali, serve as the Parade’s Grand Marshall. He was also active in the Masonic Fraternity, the Jaycees and was an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America. Judy was also a member of Hunting Creek Country Club. A mason, Judy belonged to Covington Lodge #109, Louisville Lodge #400, a charter member of Masonic Home Lodge #967, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Kosair Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters Court 131. He served 12 years on the Board of Directors of the Masonic Homes of Kentucky and was elected board member emeritus. He was also honored by the board for his contributions to the Homes and the industry having the Judy House in the Sam Swope Care Center named in his honor. Judy received gubernatorial appointments in March 1980 to Gov. John Y. Brown, Jr.’s Executive Management Commission to Study State Government and in 1993 to Gov. Brereton Jones’ Health Care Reform Task Force. In 1993, he was presented the Service of Mankind award from Governor Jones for his work with Health Kentucky. In May 1995 he was recognized with KAHCF’s highest honor, the Ira O. Wallace Award. This award is named for the founder of KAHCF and recognizes outstanding leadership and meritorious, unselfish service and dedication to the association. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy; sons, J Scott (Tricia) and Adrian (Kim); and grandchildren, Curtis, Lindsey, Cooper, and Chandler. Funeral services will begin 9 am on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Olmsted with internment at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will held at the Olmsted on the Masonic Homes of Kentucky campus Wednesday from 3 – 8 pm with Masonic services at 7. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Masonic Homes of Kentucky, 3761 Johnson Hall Drive, Masonic Home, KY 40041.