ADAIR MAN Killed IN COLLISION At BYPASS, KY 61S INTERSECTION
Sep 10,2009 00:00
by
Paul B. Hayes
For the first time since it opened late last year, the Columbia Bypass was the site of a fatal accident this past Thursday afternoon.Thirty-four-year-old Jim Giles of Columbia was killed Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m. when, according to witnesses, the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am he was operating traveling north on the bypass failed to stop at the traffic light at the KY 61 South intersection and was struck in the passenger side by a 1995 GMC tractor-trailer car hauler that was traveling south on KY 61.
Giles was pronounced dead at the scene by Adair County Deputy Coroner Todd Akin. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, 44-year-old Paul Standridge of Tennessee, was transported to Westlake Regional Hospital by the Adair County EMS, where he was admitted for treatment of his injuries.
The accident was investigated by Columbia Police Officer Josh Brockman. He was assisted by Officer Kevin Atwood and other members of the Columbia Police Department and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement.
The Columbia-Adair County Fire Department and State Highway Department also responded to the scene.
Thursday's fatality was the fourth death on Adair County roadways this year.
Obituary for Jim Giles
Jim Giles, 34, of Columbia, KY died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 as the result of an automobile accident at the intersection of Highway 61 South and the Columbia Bypass.
He was a member of Columbia Christian Church and a full-time student pursuing a career in nursing.
Survivors include his parents, Tommy and Barbara Hendrickson Giles of Columbia; his son, Jayden Giles of Somerset; two brothers - Jeff Giles, who is stationed in Bahrain, John and his wife Sherri Giles of Bowling Green; one sister, Jennifer and her husband Mark Ferguson of Columbia; his fiancé and her daughters, Stacy Witham, Kailey and Abbey Withham of Campbellsville; and several aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was held Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Bro. Raymond Martin and Bro. Steve Willis officiating.
Burial was in Haven Hill Cemetery.
Casket bearers were Terry Melton, Ron Melton, Timmy Franklin, Mark Franklin, Seth O'Dell, Scott Neal and Shad Giles.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to a trust fund to be established for Jim's son, Jayden. These may be left at the funeral home.
Photo: VOLUNTEER FIREMEN stood around the 1997 Pontiac that Jim Giles of Columbia was operating Thursday afternoon he when failed to stop at the traffic signal at the junction of the Columbia Bypass and KY 61 South and was struck by a tractor-trailer. Giles was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. (Photo by Paul B. Hayes)