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James Earlin “Curly” “Jimmy” Godby, age 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 14, 2026. Born on April 20, 1937, he lived a life devoted to God, his family, and his church.
James was the son of the late Troy (“Boose”) Godby and Elois Wiles Godby. In 1957, James accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was gloriously saved and born again. From that day forward, his faith became the foundation of his life. He faithfully served the Lord for nearly seven decades and was a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he loved worshiping God, studying His Word, and fellowshipping with his church family.
On December 26, 1957, James married the love of his life, Anna-Lee Hudson Godby. Together they shared many years of love, faith, and devotion. James was known affectionately as “Curly” and “Jimmy” by family and friends. He was a kind, humble, and hardworking man who never met a stranger. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, and share his testimony of God’s goodness with others. He loved his family deeply and was a faithful example of Christian living to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna-Lee Hudson Godby; his parents, Troy (“Boose”) Godby and Elois Wiles Godby; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dennie and Selectia Hudson; two brothers, Charles Godbey and Bill Godbey; and a precious great-granddaughter, Paisley Kate Godby.
He is survived by one daughter, Vickie Simpson; one son, Murrell (Dianne) Godby, both of Science Hill.
He is also survived by four siblings: Geraldine (Don) Jones, Phillip (Darlene) Godbey, Emery Godby, and Darlene (Steve) Haste.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, April (Michael) Carnes of Jamestown, TJ (Sydney) Godby, Ian Avery, and Jason Brewer, all of Somerset.
He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Logan Carnes, Emmalee (Josiah) Silverman, MJ (Kylie) Carnes, Reagan Godby, Stella Carnes, Kingston Godby, Willow Godby, and Hadlee Godby.
Additionally, he leaves behind his cherished great-great-grandchildren: Oakleigh Carnes, Holdyn Silverman, Emby Kate Carnes, and Weston Silverman.
He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly and who held a special place in his heart.
James will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for the Lord, his devotion to his family, and his faithful service to his church. His life was a testimony to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith that will continue through the generations.
While his family mourns his passing, they rejoice in knowing that on June 14, 2026, James heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” He is now reunited with loved ones who have gone before him and is forever in the presence of the Savior he faithfully served since his salvation in 1957.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
James Earlin “Curly” “Jimmy” Godby will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and church family until that glorious day when they meet again. 
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6pm in the Southern Oaks Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation will continue after 9am on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, funeral service will begin at 11am with Bro. Michael Carnes and Bro. T.J. Godby officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friendship Mission Fund.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for James Earlin “Curly” “Jimmy” Godby.