2020 First Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4
BY SENATOR TARVER
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Pastor John H. James Sr.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Senate of the
Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the passing of Pastor John H. James Sr. on May 30,
2020, from the deadly COVID-19 virus; and
WHEREAS, the son of Dan James Jr. and Lumandy James, he was born
September 30, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, he confessed Christ at an early age at the Shady Grove Baptist Church
under the leadership of Pastor Shivers, served as a deacon, and was later called to the
ministry as a young teenager; and
WHEREAS, he was educated in Shreveport and attended Booker T. Washington
High School; and
WHEREAS, on December 25, 1957, Pastor James married the love of his life, Trola
Patterson James, and to this union, four beautiful children were born: Angela, Johnetta,
Rosie "Dimples", and John "Man" Jr.; and
WHEREAS, in 1961, Pastor James began working for Alright Parking as a parking
attendant, was later promoted to manager of the parking garage, and in 1989, retired and
committed full-time to the ministry; and
WHEREAS, he was ordained as a minister by Pastor E. Edward Jones and was called
to pastor his first church, Promise Land Baptist Church in Kiblah, Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, on March 27, 1966, Pastor John H. James Sr. was called to shepard the
Magnolia Baptist Church in Vansville, Louisiana, at the age of twenty-seven; and
WHEREAS, Pastor James also pastored Temple Baptist in Bossier and Red Chute
Baptist in Haughton, Louisiana; and
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WHEREAS, in 1979, he moved his Magnolia Baptist Church flock from Vansville
to Shreveport, where it currently resides, as God blessed him with the wisdom and
opportunity to lead Magnolia Baptist Church and its ministers, deacons, deaconesses, ushers,
choir, youth ministry, and congregation; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Lumandy James; his
in-laws, Mary Ella and Elder H.P. Patterson; Allie Mae Holloway (grandmother), Denise
Holloway (grandfather); sisters, Alice Mae Jackson Holloway, Henrieta James, Naomi Giles,
Edna B. Daniel, Vinnie B. Bell, Rosie Lee Ware; brothers, JT Jackson, Oneal James, Prentiss
James, Dan James III, Jiles Ray James; son, Bishop John H. James Jr.; granddaughter,
Tonetta Denise James; and Gabby (his beloved Yorkie); and
WHEREAS, Pastor James leaves to cherish his memories his lovely First Lady, Trola
Mae James; daughters, Angela Jackson (Col. Don Jackson), Johnetta Coleman, Rosie James;
sisters, Louella White and Savannah Coleman; best and devoted friend and pastor, Pastor
Dennis Everett "Brother - Brother", and family; grandsons, Donald Jackson Jr. (Tangela),
Timothy Jackson (TSgt.) "US Airforce Stuttgart"; great-grandchildren, Cordero James
(Rosa), Jada S. James, Linda M. Taylor; great-great-grandchildren, McKinlee Hamilton,
Jayce Albert James, Legacy Hamilton, and Journey Rose James; family dog Cinderella; and
a host of clergy, relatives, and friends; and
WHEREAS, the death of Pastor John H. James Sr. has left a tremendous void in his
community and has created a genuine sense of sorrow in the many individuals who mourn
the loss of the kind nature and bright mind of this wonderful man whose memory shall
forever remain in their hearts and minds.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of the Pastor John H.
James Sr. and does hereby extend posthumous honor and recognition to Pastor James for his
incomparable legacy which is marked by deep pride and honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his
wife, Trola Mae James.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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