James Ross Fife

James Ross Fife, 86, of Tyler passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Tyler, Texas. He was born September 7, 1935 in Port Arthur to Ross L. Fife and Alma Irene Fife, who both preceded him in death. James was a member of the Glenwood Church of Christ. He graduated from Abilene Christian College, majoring in music education and Christian education. He did post graduate study in Christian Education at ACC, the University of Indiana and the University of Alabama. In his long career in Christian ministry, he was a youth director, Christian Education Minister, Campus Minister at Tyler Junior College, Worship Leader, and Older Adult Ministry Leader. He served primarily at three churches: the Glenwood Church of Christ in Tyler, the Central Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Shaw Street/Burke Road Church of Christ in Pasadena, Texas. Never stepping away from ministry, James also enjoyed a successful mid-life career as a “tent-maker” in finance, real estate and property management, and was a visionary residential home builder in Pasadena, Texas. James was also a pioneering innovator in the world of Christian education within the Churches of Christ. He attended the very first Christian Education Conference of the Churches of Christ, early annual meetings of Bible Chair directors, and was there at the formation of Campus Evangelism and Mission Journal. His passion for congregational singing is legendary among people who knew him and those that worshipped in song under his leadership. He believed that congregational singing expressed the faith, hope and praise of communities of faith in a way that was timeless - as ancient as King David and as current as the breath one just took. Anyone who worshipped under his leadership was moved to open their mouths, take that breath and SING! James was an influential mentor to countless men and women throughout his life. He had the great gift of seeing the gifts and capabilities of others, even before they themselves did, and calling those individuals into lives of service to the church, and to those that Jesus called “the least of these.” He loved and lead selflessly with his big James Fife Heart. His legacy was long, deep and wide. James was deeply passionate about his family. He adored each member and led by Christian example, always encouraging, advising, and serving. One could not have asked for a more loving and devoted father, husband, or son. We mourn, but he sings a new song. James is survived by his loving family including his wife of sixty-five years, Martha Fife; children, Julie (Lynn), Janie (Enrique), Jim (JoAnn), and John (Kelli); grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew, Amanda, Daniel, Anna, Kyle, Adam, Jonathan, and Jenna; great-grandchildren Michaela, Emily, Talon, Cohen, Rowen, Emily, Hadley, Jacob, Lianne, and David. Memorial services for James will be held on Thursday, September 16th, 2021 at 10:30am at Glenwood Church of Christ, 5210 Hollytree Drive, Tyler, Texas, with Ben Siburt officiating. A second memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 25th, 2021 at 3:00pm at Clearpoint Church, 5151 East Sam Houston Parkway South, Pasadena, Texas, with David Wray officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, September 24th from 6:00 - 7:30pm in the Clearpoint Church - Youth Suite. In-Memorium Gifts can be directed to: Christian Homes & Family Services www.christianhomes.com And/or Bethesda Health Clinic www.bethesdaclinic.org

James Ross Fife

September 7, 1935 - September 9, 2021