Mr. James E. Ivory Sr.

In Loving Memory Of James Earl Ivory Sr. was born on June 6, 1940, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to his loving parents, J.D. Ivory and Katherine Caldwell Ivory. At the age of 20, James heard the gospel and accepted Christ as his personal Savior, dedicating his life to serving the Lord. In 1956, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, and joined the Indiana Avenue Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Ozie Evans. Throughout his years of unwavering devotion, James served faithfully in various roles, including deacon, YPWW teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, and, later, as an ordained Elder in 1990. James also exemplified faithfulness in his professional life. He worked at J.L. Hudson for 30 years as a high-lo driver until his retirement. His dedication to service extended beyond his career; for 15 years, he volunteered as the beloved Thanksgiving Turkey in the J.L. Hudson Thanksgiving Parade. A passionate minister of outreach, James was deeply committed to prison ministry, serving as Chaplain for 20 years and bringing hope and God’s Word to countless inmates. Every Monday, he would take public transportation to visit and minister to inmates, where many found salvation, healing, and deliverance through his efforts. On September 25, 1965, James married Carolyn, the love of his life. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage and raised seven children: Lois, James Jr., Vincent, Sylvia, Marc, Patrice, and Jonathan. James cherished traveling with his family to destinations such as Niagara Falls, the Irish Hills, and his hometown of Tiptonville, Tennessee. Anyone who knew James knew how deeply he loved the Lord. He never left a conversation without asking, “Do you know the Lord as your Savior?” His passion for leading others to Christ was unwavering. James had a strong personality and an unshakable faith, which his family often remembered with humor. Everyone knew he was stern and firm, but also certain and steadfast. If we could, we might give him the nickname “The Basement Monitor for Jesus.” No one could hang out in the church basement without him coming downstairs and yelling, “Y’all stop eating them pop and potato chips and get back in service!” It didn’t matter whether you were an adult or a child—he meant for everybody to come upstairs. His stern but loving nature was always rooted in his deep care for others and his devotion to the Lord. James departed this life on December 11, 2024, at 5:20 PM, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife, Carolyn; his children, Lois, James Jr. (Crystal), Vincent (Anita), Sylvia, Marc, Patrice, and Jonathan (Syreeta); his grandchildren, Vincent II, Dominique, Caleb, Christopher, Joelle, Ethan, Caitlyn, Donald, Shaylynnkinne, Niyeria, Jaivyn, Jaleah, and Jamya; and two great-grandchildren, Ila and Juniper. He is also survived by his siblings, Herbert (Joyce), David, and Judy. James’ memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, the Johnson Family, his goddaughter Lisa, adopted son Mike, his best friend Pastor Alvin Jackson, friends, and the Indiana Avenue Church Family. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. Ivory and Katherine Caldwell Ivory, and his siblings, J.D. II, Cleveland, Clarence, Katherine, and Billy Jean. Though James will be deeply missed, his legacy of love, dedication, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. A special thank-you is extended to James’ caregivers: Deborah Hollis, Lois Ivory, Denise Gibson, Kim Butler, and Mike Walker, for their compassion and dedication in his time of need.

Mr. James E. Ivory Sr.

June 6, 1940 - December 11, 2024