James Franklin Eaves

Dr. James F. Eaves, 90, of Fort Worth, TX passed away peacefully on December 14, 2015 in Houston, TX. He was born October 29, 1925 in Gibson, TN and was raised in both Edinburg, TX and Jackson, TN. He served as a pilot and officer in the United States Air Force in World War II and the Korean War. Obtaining his BA from Union University in Jackson, TN, he then received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He dedicated his life to ministry, serving as pastor for numerous churches around the country including First Baptist Church of Bay City, TX; Birdville Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX; Grace Baptist Church, Grandview, TX; Union Avenue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN; and First Baptist Church, Albuquerque, NM. He served as interim pastor for over thirty churches throughout his lifetime in Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, New Mexico, and Arkansas. Most recently, the Eaves were members of Cana Baptist Church in Burleson, TX. Dr. Eaves was a professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for seventeen years, and has continued as Professor Emeritus since 1990. He once served as guest professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and as a guest lecturer twice at Oxford University. Dr. Eaves also worked as Director of Evangelism and Church Growth Development for the North American Mission Board; he served the Southern Baptist Convention Education Commission for five years, as well as state Baptist Executive Boards in Tennessee and New Mexico. He was a Trustee at Union University in Tennessee for seven years and also served on various other committees with the SBC. Leading twelve tours through the Holy Land, he also preached or lectured around the world. He was humbled to be the guest chaplain for the United States Senate for a day. Additionally, Dr. Eaves authored or contributed to several religious text books, as well as numerous articles. Jim and his wife, Jeane, were married for just over 70 years. They were high school sweethearts in Jackson, TN. He is survived by Jeane; son James Eaves of Emporia, KS; son Mark Eaves and wife Lisa of Houston, TX; granddaughter Marisa and husband Ted LePak of Wylie, TX; sister Mary Holland of Jackson, TN; nephews and nieces plus countless friends. Dr. Eaves is predeceased by his parents, Dudley and Ladie Eaves of Jackson, TN; sister Dorothy Pierro of McAllen, TX; and brother Paul Eaves of Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Visitation will be Saturday December 19 at Laurel Land in Fort Worth beginning at 9 am, with the funeral service starting at 11 am. He will be buried at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell with a graveside service at 2 pm. If so desired, memorials may be made to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2001 W. Seminary Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76115. He will be missed and remembered by many.