James Coby Preston

James Coby Preston, age 75, of Fairborn, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Trinity of Fairborn. He was born on November 13, 1948, in Paintsville, Kentucky, the son of the late Roy and Flossie (Jennings) Preston.

Coby worked at Harris Thomas Drop Forge, retiring as a foreman after over 30 years of service. He was a United Baptist Church member and attended Victory Church in Fairborn. An avid golfer, he loved rooting for the UK Wildcats basketball team and enjoyed woodworking. He cherished family vacations, especially those involving deep sea fishing trips, but always looked forward to returning to “home sweet home.” Above all, family was the most important part of Coby’s life. He deeply cherished the moments spent with them, creating memories that will be treasured forever. He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, dad, papaw, brother, and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings: Deal Blanton, Mary Dean Osborne, Roy Alvis Preston, Della Faye Adkins, Freddie Preston, and Elbert Preston. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Juanita; two children, Karen and her husband Jim Robertson of Fairborn, and James Matthew and his wife Charlene Raman-Preston of South Carolina; two grandchildren, James Cameron and his wife Lily Robertson and Kayley and her husband Jacob Skidmore; four great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Clarissa, Jeremiah, and Boaz; and a sister, Phyllis DeLong of Fairborn.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to know Coby Preston will fondly remember his passion for golf, hospitality, humor, and endless love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Victory Church, 2443 Valle Greene Dr., Fairborn, where a funeral service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 10:30 AM, with Pastor Derek Trenum officiating. Entombment will follow at Byron Cemetery Mausoleum.