Dr. James Douglas Crase

Dr. James Douglas Crase of Somerset KY, Physician, Veteran of the US Navy, KY State Senator, Farmer, beloved son, brother, husband and father passed from this life Saturday, May 28 in Louisville, KY. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Jan, and is survived by his sisters Guinevere and Elaine, brothers Ike (Sedahlia), and Ken (Sue), his children Kim (Joe) Claytor, Kit, and Karl (Melissa) and grandchildren Laura and Neil Claytor and Jonathon and Ameila Crase. Dr. Crase was born July 19, 1937 in Letcher County, KY to parents Ted and Ida Crase. He was a graduate of Whitesburg High School, Berea College, and the University of Louisville Medical School. Dr. Crase married Janice Hunley in 1959. Dr. Crase interned in Wichita KS and practiced medicine for over 53 years in McKee, KY, Berea, KY, Norfolk, VA with the US Navy, and over 40 years in Somerset, KY. Dr. Crase was proud to have provided care to over 10,000 patient families while practicing in Somerset. In recognition of his commitment to his patients and his craft, Dr. Crase was named by the Kentucky Academy of Family Practice as their Citizen Physician of the Year in KY. Dr. Crase served in the Kentucky State Senate. After retiring from his medical practice, he helped create an innovative healthcare clinic called ClubMD which highlighted his passion for putting the patient first. Dr. Crase cared deeply for communities and institutions that influenced his life and shared this commitment by serving in a variety of organizations including: The Lake Cumberland Lincoln Club, The Lake Cumberland Performing Arts, The Kentucky Medical Association, The Berea College Board of Trustees, The Somerset Community College Athletic Directorship, Trustee and Elder of The First Presbyterian Church of Somerset, Chief of Staff of the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Judicial and Legislative Retirement Trustee, Pulaski Civil War Round Table and the United Way. A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm he will be remembered by those who knew him best as a passionate lover of life with an endless array of interests. A big, robust and athletic man he was gentle and compassionate to those he cared for and loved. He lived life on his own terms, raged against the dying of the light and finally died peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends. A life well lived. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Somerset with Reverend Jack Wilhelm officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Memorial Gardens. Visitation for Dr. James Douglas Crase will be from 5 PM until 8 PM Friday, June 3, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Somerset. Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.