James Minor

James was preceded in death by Ruth his lovely wife, just one month before him. He is also preceded in death by his brother Melvin Minor and his sister Betty Wolford. He leaves behind to celebrate his life his children, Tommy Minor and wife Mary, John Minor and wife Kathy, Mary Malone and husband Bill, Linda Main and husband Ed, as well as 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild to be born in June.

James was born Nov 13, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio to John O. Minor and Violet S. Denman Minor. He was raised on a farm where he learned an impeccable work ethic from his father. Shortly after high school he entered the Army Air Force where he served with distinction. He was ordered by his commander to apply for West Point and was accepted. Much to the dismay of the “brass” he declined the appointment and left the military service. The military could not compete with who he had waiting for him at home, his “Angel” Ruth. They were married Jan 18, 1948 in her parents’ home starting a marriage that would last until her death over 65 years later. James graduated from Ohio University with honors and became a system analyst for Columbia Gas of Ohio. In his mid 30’s he had a profound encounter with God that changed his life. He resigned from a promising career in computers and began studying to become a minister. Upon graduation from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1967 he began his clergyman career that would have him serving churches in OH, KY, AR, CA, PA, NM, TX, MO and IL. After retirement he served as the Missouri Conference Superintendent in the Free Methodist Church and also as a pastor in IL. During retirement he also led numerous Bible Study classes at churches in Blue Springs, MO as well as at a local Senior Center. His life credo, stated early in his clergy career, was to teach the Bible so as to make a difference in peoples’ lives. He was successful. James is now in his eternal home. Even though he will be missed, his legacy lives on in the lives of many who have become better men and women of God because of his teaching.