James Saltz

James G. "Jim" Saltz (1932-2009)
James G. "Jim" Saltz, 77, of Ashland, passed away Nov. 21, 2009, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Abingdon, Va. on Oct. 21, 1932, to the late Albert and Frances Saltz.
Saltz was a 1950 graduate of Big Creek High School in War, W.Va. He served in the U.S. Army, working as a personnel clerk at Fort Knox before attending Concord College in Athens, W.Va. After obtaining a degree in business administration in 1958, he began working at American Electric Power. He transferred to Ashland and began working for Kentucky Power Company in 1960. He used his problem solving skills and leadership abilities to work his way through the company, eventually becoming the company's vice president. He retired from the company in 1994 after 34 years of service.
He is credited with developing Kentucky Power's first company-level personnel office and enjoyed helping others succeed. He welcomed a good challenge and always looked for ways to improve. Saltz loved all sports and was an avid golfer for 47 years of his life.
Over his career Saltz worked with Boyd County United Way, Boyd County American Red Cross, Ashland Rotary Club, Optimist Club, Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. He was a member of First Christian Church and was a well known leader in the community and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jean Saltz; his beloved only son, Bryan Saltz and his wife, Kathy; three grandchildren, Emily, Katie and John Saltz; a great-grandson, James Saltz; and brothers, Layman (Patty) Saltz, Tommy (Linda) Saltz and Gene (Joyce) Saltz.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lazear Funeral Home Chapel in Ashland by Rev. Ike Nicholson. Interment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at the funeral home.