Pastor Rodney B. James was born on January 3, 1970, in Sumter, South Carolina to Mamie P. James and the late Joseph U. James, Sr. At an early age, Pastor James accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Sumter, SC. On Wednesday, December 14, 2016 the Master called Pastor James from labor to reward.
He was educated in the Sumter County Public School System. James graduated from Sumter High School in 1988, where he was a celebrated athlete. He was known for his skill and talent on the football field as well in wrestling. He won the title of Heavyweight Champion and was known to many as "Kamala".
In 1991, Rodney furthered his education at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where he obtained a dual-major degree in Pre-Law and Religion. In1993, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University- Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas.
Pastor James was employed as a teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a brief period before returning home to Sumter, South Carolina. He then became a teacher in the Sumter County Public School system. He was a beloved coach to many in the areas of football, wrestling and track.
Pastor James was licensed to preach The Gospel on May 5, 1994 by Rev. L.W. Barnes at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Sumter, South Carolina. He was ordained on July 26, 1988 by the Sumter Baptist Missionary and Educational Association.
From September 1988 to October 2011 Pastor James was blessed with the honor to serve as Senior Pastor of the Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Bishopville, SC. With Pastor James, at the helm- Mount Hermon grew from a membership of 58-600.
Elder Rodney B. James was called as Senior Pastor/Teacher of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of South Miami Inc. on August 15, 2011 and was duly installed in October of 2011 as the ninth pastor of Mount Olive. In four years through exemplary spiritual visionary leadership, he continued to build Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church and expand its ministry across the community and state.
Pastor James membership on various boards and committees allowed him to share his expertise gained by a life filled with service to his fellow man, making him well respected in the community of South Miami.
Left to cherish his loving memories; His wife, Carla James; three children, Remington, Zamaria and Royce James; mother Mamie P. James; siblings Robert James, Jacqueline M. Plowden, Michele Denise (John) Gooding, Tina Louise Johnson and Monica E. Durrant; father and mother-in-love, Rev. Dr. C.P. Preston, Jr. and Lady Robyn M. Preston; brothers-in-love Terrill (April) Moyd and Clinton (Chandra) Preston; God daughters, Erica Washington and Zaniyah Bryant; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, The Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of South Miami, The Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church of Bishopville, SC and the Peaceful Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Miami, Florida.
Pastor James was preceded in death by his father, Deacon Joseph U. James, Sr., his brother, Joseph U. James, Jr., and nephew, Lorenzo Johnson, Jr.
Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 4-7pm at Job's Mortuary.
Pastor James will be placed in the church on Thursday at 12noon for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday December 22, 2016 at 1pm at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Larry C. Weston, Host, Rev. Telley L. Gadson, Officiating and Bishop Terry McCaskill, Sr, Eulogist.
Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Family will be receiving friends at the home of this mother 211 Alexander Place, Sumter