James Edward Julian

Dr. James E. "Jim" Julian, 80, Pastor of Herald Baptist Church and owner of Beckles Candies, accepted his new assignment in Heaven on October 2. Born March 17, 1935, to Jake and Ruth Julian in Spurgeon, Indiana, Jim was the eighth of nine children. Active in community, church, school, scouts, and sports. Jim also sang tenor in several groups.

He served in the US Army in Europe before entering Oakland City College, where he participated in student government, and drama, earning the Best Acting Award in 1962. Simultaneously active in many civic and church organizations, Jim also became the youngest Worshipful Master of the Lynnville Masonic Lodge.

June 18, 1965, Jim and Eddi Marie Evans were married in Evansville, Indiana, and he moved to Modesto, California, where she was already teaching. He quickly became a vital part of the Herald General Baptist Church and also began a 28-year career at the Tracy Defense Logistics Agency. He spent many hours traveling and singing with The Heralds, INC, sharing the message of God's love. As an extension of their ministry, he and Eddi Marie have owned and operated Beckles Candies and Gifts since 1988.

Soon after retiring from TDLA, Jim became Pastor of Herald Church, where he was already involved in numerous capacities. Pastor Jim was active in local, state, and denominational affairs, In 2002, Oakland City University (Indiana) honored him with a Doctor of Humanities degree for his continuous service in multiple arenas. Dr. Jim was also recognized locally with the Good Shepherd Award and nationally the Silver Good Shepherd Award by the Association of Baptists for Scouting.

Downtown shoppers enjoyed occasionally finding Mr Jim at Beckles Candy Shop, where he exchanged small talk and helped them find their favorite treats.

Jim was "Daddy" to Jim II (Christy), Jennifer (James) Chambers, and "Stand-in Dad" to Kevin (Karin) Hoselton; "Grand Dad" to Nathan Reiswig, Carina Phillips, Elijah and Benjamin Chambers, Gabriel Hoselton, and another little one coming in December.

Dr Julian was predeceased by his parents, sisters Maxine and Eva Jean, and brothers Byron, Ken, and Bill. He is survived by his wife Eddi Marie, his children and grandchildren, sister Peg (Joe) Jenkins, sisters-in-law Loretta and Mary Alice, brothers Jack and Bob, nieces and nephews and their families, mother-in-law Alice Evans, "sister" Carletta (Dick) Steele, and innumerable friends around the world.

Thanks is extended to the Herald Church Family, Beckles Candies Friends, and the caring medical teams of four California hospitals who have watched over him this year.

The Family requests that, in lieu of flowers, and to continue Jim's legacy of altruism, remembrances be sent to The Heralds Inimitable News Communicators Ministry, 2201 Prescott Rd., Modesto, CA 95350, or to Oakland City University, 138 N. Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN 47660. Please designate all gifts "In Memory of Dr. James E. Julian."

A military graveside service will be conducted at Lakewood Memorial Park Hughson, CA, Friday, October 9, at 3 PM. The Celebration of Dr. Julian's Life and Legacy will take place at Herald General Baptist Church, Saturday, October 10, at 1:30PM.