Dr. James William Batts

Dr. James W. Batts, PhD. (Jim), husband of Gloria Devers Batts, passed away on May 8, 2026. He was the son of Dr. J. W. Batts and Flora Buck Batts of Lexington. 

He will be loved and long remembered by his sister, Jean Batts; daughter-in-law, Cindy Batts; precious grandchildren, Isaac and James Thomas Batts; brothers-in-law, Richard Devers (Janet), and Jim Ed Devers; sister-in-law, Anita Batts; nephews, Chris Devers (Farrah), Rick Devers (Christian), Bo Batts (Kari); his niece, Rebecca Mazumdar (Dhrubo); and special family, Nancy Lu and David Prewitt. 

He was preceded in death by his much-loved son, John Enix Batts; his brother, John Lindsay Batts (Jack); and his sister-in-law, Julia Devers. 

Jim was a 1967 graduate of Woodford County High School and attended Berea College from 1967 to 1969. He received a bachelor's degree in social work and psychology from Eastern Kentucky University in 1971. Two years later, he was awarded an M.S. degree in clinical psychology from Eastern. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy PhD at UK in 1988. 

Jim served as area team leader and staff psychologist for the Comprehensive Care Mental Health Center serving Woodford and Anderson Counties. He worked in the Department of Education as Director of Health and Human Services. He then began his teaching career at EKU directing the School Psychology Department. He retired from EKU in 2005 as professor emeritus. He also taught part-time at UK. 

Dr. Batts was very involved in his professional organization, KAPS, and NASP. He held many positions in both organizations serving as an officer, delegate, and chair. He received numerous awards acknowledging his contributions to his profession. 

Jim enjoyed fishing, cycling, reading, travel, and he was an avid UK Sports Fan. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. 

Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Midway Christian Church with Rev. Heather McColl officiating. Reception will follow at the Church. Visitation will be held from 11:00am until the time of service on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Midway Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Woodford County Humane Society, Woodford Theatre, or to the Food Pantry. Clark Funeral Home, Rose Hill is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClarkLegacyCenter.com.