Dr. James Franklin Dersham Jr

Dr. James F. Dersham went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 2, 2023 at the age 96 years. He lived a long life in the service of the Lord ministering to many across the country.

James Dersham was born in Waterloo, NY on September 18, 1926 to J. Frank and Klara Belle (Guilfoos) Dersham. He was the eldest of 6 children. In 1945, Jim married his sweetheart, Eleanor Marie Wheaton. Together, they went to Practical Bible Training School and prepared for a life of service to the Lord.

Dr. Dersham was a pastor for 72 years having ministered in churches in New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida and Tennessee. He also served as Executive Director with Fellowship of Baptists for Home Missions in Elyria, Ohio and Managing Editor at Regular Baptist Press in Schaumburg, Illinois. His ministry touched many lives for God's glory.

He is preceded in death by his:
Wife of 72 years, Eleanor Marie (Wheaton) Dersham
Parents, J. Frank and Klara Belle (Guilfoos) Dersham
Brothers, Dayton Dersham
               Leon Dersham (infant)
               Donovan Dersham
               Paul Dersham
Sister, Joan (Dersham) Towner

Dr. Dersham is survived by his:
Children, James L. Dersham and wife Sheila
               Michael D. Dersham and wife Marleah
               Paula Dersham Self and husband Dan
10 Grandchildren
21 Great Grandchildren
3 Great Great Grandchildren
Sisters-in-law, Betty Dersham
                       Ardith Dersham
Several nieces, nephews, other family and friends 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Jamestown with Pastor Joshua Grubbs officiating. Entombment will follow in the Fentress Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Jamestown.

As he has entered his senior years, he often has quoted 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV. "I have fought a good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Jennings Funeral Homes of Jamestown is in charge of services for Dr. James F. Dersham of Jamestown.

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