Mr. James Bearden, better known as J.D., age 81 of Brilliant, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his residence.

J.D. was born on December 21, 1939 in Madisonville, Kentucky to Davis and Sarah Bearden, and was owner/operator of B & B Welding for over 30 years. Mr. Bearden enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. He was a family man that was full of love and joy to everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen Marie Williams Bearden, children, Guyla Perry of Pell City, Joey Barnett of Brilliant, Vickie Shirriff (Kenny) of Northport, Sandy Couch (Tim) of Winfield, Greg Bearden (Becky) of Brilliant and Tony Bearden (Debbie) of Madisonville , KY, grandchildren, Kyle Jack (Jamie), Monique Jack, Trace Barnett, Trent Goodwin (Katie), Bradley Hallman, Brian Couch, Rhonda Wilkerson, Christy Hutchins (David), Kathy Hurt (Jonathon), and a host of great grandchildren, sister, Dorothy Rickards of Madisonville, KY, and a brother, Calvin Bearden of Madisonville, KY, close friends, Kevin and Cindy Holcomb, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents, Davis and Sarah Bearden and brothers, Thomas and Junior Bearden.

A graveside service for J.D. will be held on Sunday, January, 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. from the Brilliant Memorial Gardens. Brother David Sexton will be the officiating minister.