Rev. Robert R. James

Rev. Robert R. James, 75, of Uhrichsville, was called home to be with his Heavenly Father while surrounded by his loving family at his home on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, after a courageous fight with leukemia. Born July 26, 1936 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Roy Garfield and Lula Jeanetta (Brown) James.

Robert grew up in the Tappan Lake and Station 15 area, and was a graduate of Conotton Valley High School in the class of 1954. After working in the local railroad industry for a decade, he became a car salesman, first working at Brightwood Motors for fourteen years, then twenty-one years at Huebner Chevrolet-Subaru at Carrollton. His true calling, though, was for ministry. He took up that call beginning in 1984 when he preached his first sermon and took his licensing training at Mount Union College, becoming a licensed pastor. He then furthered his education by attending seminary each summer at Garrett Evangelical Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University, obtaining his seminary degree after ten years of dedicated study. He has faithfully served as the pastor of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Dennison for over twenty-seven years and will be deeply and sadly missed by his church family.

Having devoted himself to a life of service, Robert was active in many facets of the life of his community. He was currently serving as the President of the Twin City Ministerial Association and was a volunteer chaplain for Hospice. Over the years, he was also involved with the Jaycees, had been a chairperson for the Twin City Christian Service Center, and had worked with the Salvation Army and their food center. Countless peoples’ lives were touched by his love and his desire to share the message of God’s love.

On June 19, 1955, Robert married the former Dolores June Greer with whom he was blessed to share over fifty-six years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their six children, Kathi (John) Hite of Uhrichsville, Kimberly (David) Potopsky of Dover, Todd (Sharon) James of New Philadelphia, Kelly (Roy) DeMattio of Pickerington, O., Kendra (John) Duff of New Carlisle, O., and Kristin (Kevin) Beechy of Reynoldsburg, O.; nineteen grandchildren, Mindi, Keri, Ashli, Kelci, Logan, Alexis, Landon, Todd, Troy, Jerrod, Jennah, Madison, Cade, Jospeh, Kaylee, Kami, Karissa, Lauren, and Sarah; five great grandchildren, Skye, Isaac, Noah, Grace, and Faith; and a dear friend who he always considered to be his sixth daughter, Lori (Brian) DeLong of New Philadelphia. Robert is also survived by his sisters- and brother-in-law, Margie Vanchure, Ralph and Donna Greer, Edith Greer, and Dottie Greer; numerous nieces and nephews, including Joyce Halliwill of Medina; and a host of dear friends, including his lifelong friend, Duane (Patty) Evans of Bowerston. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marjorie Board; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Alva Board, Donald R. Greer, Larry E. Greer, Garnett and Carol Davenport, and Tom Vanchure.

Services for Robert, officiated by Rev. Kurt E. Landerholm will be held at noon on Saturday, December 3, in Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Dennison. Interment will follow beside his beloved parents in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Family and friends are invited to call at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2. In keeping with Robert’s wishes, memorial contributions to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are encouraged, in lieu of flowers. His family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to The James Cancer Hospital and Great Lakes Hospice for the excellent care that they gave Robert during his extended illness.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com