Pastor Albert L. James, Sr.

Early Saturday, September 7, 2024 Pastor Albert Lee James, Sr. departed this life at Sentara  Virginia Beach General Hospital. He was the born to the union of the late Ernest and Alexenia James on May 22, 1946 in Princess Anne County, Virginia.  

Albert was a graduate of Union Kempsville High School where he met Waltina Gatlin and she  eventually became the love of his life. They dated for a time and were married on December 7, 1969. Albert served on active duty in the United States Army from 1966 to1968, followed by approximately 12 years as a reservist. He worked as a Key Punch Operator in civil service at Dam Neck Naval Base and earned a Fire Science Certificate from Tidewater Community College, which allowed him to become a firefighter in 1970. Albert served at the Dam Neck Naval Base firehouse for about 30 years. 

Albert was called to the ministry more than 25 years ago. He began his journey at New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood. In 1986, Elder James transferred his membership to Gift of Life Church, led by Bishop Bernell Gatlin, and  later joined Bethlehem Church Of God In Christ under Pastor Solomon Ferebee. In the late 90’s, he was guided by God to establish his own ministry, St. Job Church Of God In Christ. 

Pastor James served faithfully in the National Adjutancy Corps of the Church Of God In Christ  under the leadership of Bishops H. Jenkins Bell, B. K. Thoroughgood, Matthew Williams, and  Bishop Robert Rudolph. Because of his dedication and consistency, he was appointed Platform  Attendant for the Platform Ministry of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. on July 12, 2005.  Additionally, Pastor James served faithfully as a Jurisdictional Adjutant under the leadership of  the late General Board Member Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr. At the demise of Bishop Thomas, he continued to serve under the leadership of Bishop Marc A. Thomas, Sr. 

Pastor James was preceded in death by his parents, son, Albert Lee James Jr.; sister, Ernestine James and brothers in love, Melvin Gatlin, Terry Gilchrist, Paul Freeman and Melvin McPherson.  

Pastor James will always be loved and remembered by his wife of 55 years, Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women, Mother Waltina James and son, Brian James.  He will forever be loved and cherished by his grandson, Brian Jamal James II. He will  be loved and sorely missed by his siblings, Maude Freeman and Gloria McPherson of  Virginia Beach, VA, Richard James (Linda) Williamsburg, VA, Ervin James (Daphne) of Norfolk,  VA; brothers in love - Forrest Gatlin, Roger Gilchrist (Lynn), Bernard Gilchrist, Calvin Gilchrist (Theresa) and Carlton Gilchrist all of Virginia Beach, VA; sisters in love - Therlene Freeman, Wanda Gatlin, Mary Williams (Larry), Subrena Winbish (Ronnie) all of Virginia Beach, VA and Joyce Archibald (Linwood) of Norfolk, VA; as well as, all of his nephews, nieces, cousins and  friends. He enjoyed and loved his St. JOB COGIC Family and will forever be loved and missed by them as well. Pastor James take your rest and rest well with our Lord and Savior.