FRANKFORT, Ky. — A plaque hangs at the seat where Rep. John “Bam” Carney served in Kentucky’s General Assembly for 12 years. 

“This plaque honors his service to the General Assembly and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” it reads.

The Taylor County Republican and former House Majority Floor Leader died at 51 in July 2021 after years of health issues, including pancreatitis.

Rep. Michael Sarge Pollock (R, Campbellsville) now represents District 51.

“It’s truly my honor to sit in this District 51 seat, carrying the baton for my good friend,” Pollock told his colleagues Wednesday. “You knew John “Bam” Carney as a legislator, but I knew him as a dear friend. When I think of Bam, so many great memories come to mind, but one word I think of is the word ‘passion.’”

House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy (R, Paducah) called Carney a “true friend” who loved his family, faith, the Capitol and a good meal.

He shared what Carney said in the last days of his life. 

“‘I want to go home,’” said Rudy. “And we realized he wasn’t talking about Taylor County. He was ready to go home to be with his Lord and his Savior.”  

On Wednesday, members wore Cardinal lapel pins, representing Taylor County High School in Carney’s home city.

Rep. Brandon Reed (R, Hodgenville) filed a citation to adjourn in Carney’s memory.  

“Bam was my brother,” he said. “He mentored me when I first came to this honorable body. He was always there when I needed him.” 

Carney’s family watched from the House gallery. 

“He was a fighter and he proved that to the very end in the way that he battled the sickness that he had,” said Mark Carney, Carney’s brother, following adjournment. “We appreciate each of these individuals here, we thank them for they way they’ve continued to remember us as a family.”