Service: The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
James was a loving husband and father, with a strong faith in the Lord. He loved telling jokes and always had a story to tell. He attended Ohio State University and held various sales positions and served as a pastor. In retirement, he enjoyed playing board games, writing poetry, treasure hunting, collecting stamps and volunteering for the church's food bank and Code Blue. He was a history buff, and he loved traveling with his wife delivering RVs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann; his parents; two sisters; and four brothers.
Survivors: Son, Jeffrey Pierce; daughter, Nancy Melton and husband, Bill; granddaughter, Katie Melton; brother, Vernon Pierce and wife, Fran; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wycliffe Bible Translators, 11221 John Wycliffe Blvd., Orlando, Fla. 32832, wycliffe.org.
