James Kenneth Tays, age 72 of Butler Twp., passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Miami Valley Hospital. He was born December 20, 1944 in Dayton, Ohio the son of James and Margaret Tays.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his special grandmother, Sara Belle Buckner; and nephew, James R. "Jimmy".

James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty; daughters, Tracie Tays, Kristi (Robert) Buckler; granddaughter, Brooke Buckler; grandsons, Bobby Buckler, Mark Buckler; sister, JoAnn (Paul) Leonard; nephew, Jeff Leonard; nieces, Beverly Galloway, Donna Leiter, Debbie Meddock, Peggy Smith; as well as several great nieces and nephews and many friends.

James retired from General Motors after nearly 34 years of service. He played Bluegrass music for more than 30 years and was a founding member of the bands, Misty Mountain and Timely Arrival.

Visitation will be March 26, 2017 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home - North Chapel (4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45424). Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 1:00 pm also at Newcomer Funeral Home - North Chapel. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Neuroscience Intensive Care staff at Miami Valley Hospital.