James Easter Jennings

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, James Ester Jennings Sr., on September 9, 2024. He was 86 years old.

James was born May 17, 1938, in Wilson, Arkansas, to the late Ivory Jennings Sr. and Mary Jennings.  James met his wife, the late Erma Jean (Buckhalter) Jennings, in Grand Rapids MI, and was married to her for 60 years. Together they raised five children, Audrey Jennings, James (Kim) Jennings Jr; Steven (Gloria) Jennings, Candie Durr (Jennings); and Timothy Jennings.

James accepted Christ at a young age, was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church, and devoted his life to God. He lived by the principle of tithing and knew this led to life blessings. He was an ordained minister and enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-in, marrying couples, and had his own television program on the Grand Rapids Public TV station. James believed that hard work and perseverance was one of the keys to life and led by example as he worked for Orthopedic Hospital and Kelvinator for 20 years, working 16 hours a day. He quit those two jobs in 1986 and worked for Benteler Automotive for 17 years, until he retired in 2003.

James also loved boxing, fishing, and spending time with his family. He loved to tell past stories of working in the bowling alley, his “Golden Glove” boxing days, his cross-country track experiences, and he always had time to share his personal experiences of the goodness of God.

James is survived by his 4 siblings: Gloria LaGrone, Minister Martha (Delbert) Shipp, Ruby Jennings, and Dr. Willie (Joanne) Jennings, his grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His passing was preceded by his siblings, Ivory Jennings Jr, Bernice Jennings, Helen Jean Jennings, Mae Francis Tolbert, Dean Jennings, and David Jennings.

Please join us in honoring James Jennings Sr. and celebrating his life with his viewing on Sunday September 22, 2024, at Brown’s Funeral Home from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm and homegoing service on Monday September 23, 2024, at 11:00 am at New Hope Baptist Church.

thank you,

Steven Jennings

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