Rev. James E. Channell born March 21, 1934, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, went home to be with the Lord on March 8, 2024. After trusting the Lord as his Savior at the age of 32, he vowed to live as hard for Christ as he had once lived for sin. And that he did! He surrendered to a life of service to the Lord and went to Baptist Bible College where he graduated in 1969. From there he earned his doctorate degree from Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary in Kennedale, Texas. During his ministry he started three churches from the ground up. The last of which, Bible Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas, he remained for 45 years. He and his wife of 70 years, Pasty Channell, have resided in Livingston, Louisiana, since 2019 where they have been faithful members of Fundamental Baptist Church.
Rev. James E. Channell had a passion for soul winning and ministering! Through his deep desire to serve the Lord even in his later years, he had a Post-It ministry that brought a smile, a word of encouragement, or a provoking thought to anyone who received a note. Rev. James continued his Post-It ministry up until his 90 th birthday. He loved bluebonnets, gardening, storytelling, and was always ready to tell a joke for a good laugh. He was a man of many talents: a master craftsman, an artist, a quilter, and a flint knapper.
Rev. James E. Channell is survived by his wife, Patsy Lauw Channell; brother Doyle Channell; daughters Pamela Brown and husband Bob, Sherry Watts and husband Aldrich; granddaughters Jessica Kerr (Matt), Rachel Lindsey (Caleb), Valon Nix (Phillip), and Hannah Lindsey (Luke); 14 great-grandchildren: Tucker, Tatum, Allison, Dalton, Noah, Savannah, Bristol, Riley, Reagan, Parker, Charley, Ezekiel, Jacob, and Mac. He is preceded in death by his parents Loyd and Etta Channell; brothers Kenneth (Smokey) and Glenn Channell; granddaughter Tracy Johnson.
Rev. Channell’s homegoing will be celebrated on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Fundamental Baptist Church (24240 South Frost Rd. Livingston, Louisiana 70754). Visitation will be 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM with service beginning at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in his name to the Fundamental Baptist Church’s mission program.
11 comments
Bret Reeves
March 22, 2024 at 6:11 pm
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Brother James. He was a faithful man of God, and I had the privilege to sit under his preaching for many years. I remember when I would get to go soul winning with him on Thursday nights and Would finish up at the coffee shop where we would talk about Jesus. He was very funny and would tell jokes, and everyone would get a good laugh. The way he would check out the threads on a new coat or jacket which I still do till this very day because of Bro. James. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Lewis Allen Beckwith
March 12, 2024 at 10:36 pm
One of the best men I could have ever had in my life, I have many many (post-it) messages that I will cherish for years as well as so many memories of Bro. James advising me and just being a kind person in general. My dad was one of the many people that were there to greet him and I can’t wait for the day I get to see them all one day!
Patrick House
March 12, 2024 at 3:21 am
A better friend, servant, and mentor you would never find. I knew James Channell for 3 years, but I could have sworn it was a lifetime. I loved him as though he were my own grandfather. His love for God and sage wisdom will be sorely missed. Rest in glory my sweet friend 🧡
Kim Hardy
March 12, 2024 at 12:17 am
Prayers for you all!
Wes and Calien Christensen
March 11, 2024 at 11:50 pm
Wes and Calien Christensen
We are eternally grateful for Bro Channell and his family for coming to Sioux Falls, S.D. many years ago. His love for our Lord was evident in his preaching and had a strong influence on both of us. Calien (Cal) was saved immediately after the first service we attended but it took me a little longer to recognize my sinfull soul and was wonderfully saved. Thank you Lord for sending him to us!
Mary Thurman
March 11, 2024 at 11:03 pm
Preacher, with all my love and respect, your finally Home. Your Dash is finished, and what a Godly dash it’s been for the past 50 plus years! I came to know the Lord under your leadership. I’ll be seeing you!
Jessica Humble
March 11, 2024 at 10:10 pm
Oh my heart is broken. He was the sweetest man he saved my soul as a child growing up in his church. He also saved my daddy sitting on my front porch. I have many many memories of him. He’s home now with his lord
Linda and Rich Engel
March 11, 2024 at 9:47 pm
My family will always be indebted to this amazing man of God. Thank you, Preacher James for coming to Sioux Falls, S.D. and fulfilling the will of God in so many lives . The Engel family will never forget you and look forward to our reunion someday. Our prayers and love are with Pat, Pam, Sherry and their families.
Cyndi Bowers
March 11, 2024 at 8:56 pm
Love Him dearly. He will always hold special place in my heart. His love of God and winning souls and teaching others to do the same. He touched so many lives and they are still living a life in Christ.
Sherel Johnston
March 11, 2024 at 8:28 pm
So sorry for your loss. God gained a great man. I’m sure he will be missed greatly. Love and prayers
Diana Graham
March 11, 2024 at 7:48 pm
With love and fond memories!