Rev. Dr. Elijah “E. J.” James, Jr.

DID NOT KNOW THAT REV.JAMES HAD GOTTEN HIS WINGS HE WAS MY PASTOR WHEN I WAS A CHILD I LOVE HIM HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND WONDERFUL PASTOR HE ALWAYS HAD GREAT WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO SAY TO ANYONE. I REMEMBER MY MOTHER LIZZIE MAE GUNN BIRTHDAY WE SURPRISED MAMA AT CHURCH AND WE CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY WITH HER PASTOR REV.JAMES AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE MRS.JAMES IT WAS HER BIRTHDAY WEEK AS WELL AND WE ALL TAKEN MAMA AND SOME OF HER CHURCH FAMILY OUT TO EAT AND WE REALLY HAD LOTS OF FUN REST EASY PASTOR WE SHELL MEET AGAIN GONE TO SOON BUT NEVER EVER EVER EVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN I LOVE YOU REV.JAMES REST ON IN HEAVENLY PEACE DEBORAH D EPPS WELLS PRATT OF MIAMI FLORIDA....

Rev James was truly the most devoted minister of the gospel that I have ever known. He was my 1st pastor and a role model in the ministry. He was a dear and long-time family friend. He was always there at the pivotal times of our lives. My grandfather served side by side with him at Tabernacle. Pastor James was his dear friend...mentor...and leader. My dad was saved under his pastorship and for that we will always be grateful. It warms my heart that they are all together again along with my dear grandmother.

Thanks to the Lord God and pastor's family especially Sis James for lending such a wonderful person to this world. He would never agree to this assessment due to his humbleness but truly the world became a little less bright the day he departed this life.

Minister Pamela Davis

Pastor James was the pastor I was truly saved under. He discipled me in the things of God. I came to New Zion with two degrees but had no knowledge of God. Pastor James open up opportunities for me to learn more about God through prayer meetings, Bible study, conventions and mission. I was so honored to call him my pastor. And I can't forget what I learned from Sister James. She was a role model for me. They were the ultimate power couple. I love them so much. I have a wonderful pastor in Tony Evans, but I will always have a warm place in my heart for Pastor James, because he looked beyond my education and saw a person in need of God and for that I am thankful. The last week I was in Tuscaloosa before going to Dallas, I visited with Pastor James. I was sad I was leaving and he told me this, "God put you here for a season and your season is up, it is time to go." With that advice I was ready to accept the assignment God had for me in Dallas. I thank God for putting me at New Zion Baptist Church. I have no regrets in having to go through Tuscaloosa. Blessings to the family. Yolanda Davis, Dallas, TX

Pastor James was the pastor I was truly saved under. He discipled me in the things of God. I came to New Zion with two degrees but had no knowledge of God. Pastor James open up opportunities for me to learn more about God through prayer meetings, Bible study, conventions and mission. I was so honored to call him my pastor. And I can't forget what I learned from Sister James. She was a role model for me. They were the ultimate power couple. I love them so much. I have a wonderful pastor in Tony Evans, but I will always have a warm place in my heart for Pastor James, because he looked beyond my education and saw a person in need of God and for that I am thankful. The last week I was in Tuscaloosa before going to Dallas, I visited with Pastor James. I was sad I was leaving and he told me this, "God put you here for a season and your season is up, it is time to go." With that advice I was ready to accept the assignment God had for me in Dallas. I thank God for putting me at New Zion Baptist Church. I have no regrets in having to go through Tuscaloosa. Blessings to the family. Yolanda Davis, Dallas, TX

Pastor James will be missed by all. He was truly a God fearing man. My prayers are with family.

Rev.James turned my life around when he told me to go home and apologize to my mother about the way I had been acting toward her and he told me to"turn around","make a change"or"HELL" I would be lifting up my eyes.That very day I left there house I started that change for the positive and followed through on the rest. Because he ministered the truth to me I'm still here today and with so far no police record,raised there children and..... Helen Prewitt Wells

I am so sorry for your loss. Reverend James was truly a man of God.I was baptized by him and grew up under his spiritual leadership. To Mrs. James and family, I am asking that God fills your heart and mind with hope and peace that surpasses all understanding. The 23rd Psalm may offer some comfort in this time of difficulty. King James knew about soothing the soul through music, and songs in this Psalms are his work. May the love of God be with you always. Geneva Avery Carlisle and Family Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I am SO GREATFUL to have known Pastor James. He was a Godly man that lived his life as a humble servant. He gave of himself and touched so many lives. His spirit was so bright that to know him you couldn't help but love him. I was baptised in the spirit by him, my sister and I at the same time. He always would say"I know you Waller girls by that smile". You will be forever in our hearts and we will miss you dearly. To the James Family you are in our prayers. May God bless you with continued strength and your Memories, love, family and laughter to get you through this difficult time. Waller and Williams family.

If I had to describe Rev. E.J. James, I would say that Rev. James was a man of integrity, a devout man, a man of character, a loving and devoted man not only to his wife and children but to everyone, a praying man, a respected man, a man who served and gave unselfishly, and a man after God's own heart!! I will truly miss Rev. James. I don't believe that there is another man on this earth that can and will ever fit his shoes. I know God has received him into His kingdom and now God says, "WELL DONE" thy good and faithful servant.... May God give strength to his loving family and may they always cherish his loving memories.

Ms. Mary Ivory

Not only he was my next door neighbor when I lived on Park Street,the family was just like family to us,we would sit at their home and watch T.V. and eat dinner and Mrs. Arnelle James made the best Sweet Tea.they would fix our hair.his children gave us nicknames I and my sister and brother, I still remember mine,Lancelot Link lol,my sister was Shawnie Pooh,my brother was A1 Buddy Wright, I remember when he taken care of his Father,and also when his granddaughter Lisa was born,they were Family,cause when I had my first son , his daughter was the Godmother. I will never forget them riding in the old Plymouth with wings going to Church with them he and his wife.He will never be forgotten. He visited the sick in their homes and at the Nursing homes,he and his faithful Deacon Mr.Brownlee, R.I.P. dear Pastor James.

My deepest condolences for the James family. Any loss for them is a loss to us and my prayers are with them through this time and always. We love you and may his soul rest eternally.

The Bowman Family

Pastor E.J. James Jr. Is and always will be the most respected man in my life. His wisdom, understanding and knowledge of God is unsurpassed. He contributed greatly to my life with his prayers and intercessions on my behalf. I will always love him and his family. My condolences to Mrs. James and all the family. Brenda Massey Clarke

To the James Family. God let us keep our love ones for then He call them to a better place. My family was one of the at First Baptist when Rev. James came their. My mother just love his. God know when to call us home to a better place. We will miss him and always love him. The Ware's Aretha Steele

Pastor James was ALWAYS my Pastor no matter where I lived. It was always a pleasure to come home and go to church to hear him preach!! I never stood up as a visitor but he would always say to me, “you not standing up but I see you!” He would remind me that the first wedding he did at New Zion was mine!! He never forgot that day nor did I. He Blessed us greatly!! Pastor James believed in the sanctity marriage and what God put together let no man destroy it! I thank him for his love and support of my family for all the years we knew him. He was a giant of a man in so many ways!! He will without a doubt be missed here on earth but his spirit will live forever thorough all the wonderful memories we have of him!! I will remember you in my prayers for added strength. God’s Grace be with you!! Betty Cotton Cypress, Tx

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-Olivia James

My Granddaddy was a great man. He was a brilliant man. He always had a good word of advice and a $1 or 2 for his grand baby lol. I was so excited to show him and my Grandma that I was a Chef! I made them a peach cobbler once and he said it was the BEST he had ever had. He ate plate after plate! I can hear him now “guh you got something here!” I am so happy he was able to meet his great grand baby a few times as well. He will truly be missed. Love him forever. <3

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.