Rev. Bobby Joe (B.J) Standridge

My father was born in Dover, Arkansas, and moved to Northern California as a teenager where he eventually met and married the love of his life, Ganell A. Du Bois, for 63 years. He could be best characterized by a man who “found a way” to overcome obstacles of early poverty, education, the loss of a father, Andrew, the loss of his mother Hazel, his sisters, Mildred and Jean, his brother Jerry, (Vietnam War), his brother Everett, and many other trials and tragedies.

Eventually, B. J. entered the ministry in 1960, with the Pentecostal Church of God and became ordained a few years later. He served as pastor for 8 churches in California including in Stockton, Sheridan, Tracy, Woodridge, Lodi, Santa Rosa, Oroville, and Olivehurst, and then in Salem, Oregon, all over a span of 60 years. Dad always felt called to struggling churches and “found a way” to build the congregations, build and expand church facilities, and start and establish new ministries. Dad then would resign and go to the next church to repeat the process again. As a pastor and friend, dad always “found a way” to help and encourage teenagers, dozens of young adults and couples in preparation and training for ministry, and of course hundreds of pastors.

In addition to being a pastor and rebuilding churches and congregations, Dad served the Northern California Pentecostal Church of God for 16 years as “District Superintendent” leading over 90 churches and pastors. He has also served as Youth Director for 3 years helping to raise funds for missionaries and establishing local youth ministries and leaders.

In between responsibilities Dad found a way to complete his college education and also received an Honorary PhD from Pacific Coast College in Sacramento, California.

Rev. B. J. Standridge is survived by his son, Keith Standridge and his wife Pam, and three granddaughters Kaysha, Karissa, and Kara, of Keizer, Oregon; his daughter Karen Standridge of Salem, Oregon, grandson, Zach Taylor and his wife Kylie, and three great grandchildren, Esmy, Enzo and Kayzen, of Fair Oaks, California. B.J.’s surviving siblings include Carl Standridge and his wife Jackie of Kansas, Bill Standridge (Othel) and his wife Nancy, of Weed, California, Larry Standridge of Gridley, and Linda Standridge of Sacramento.

My father has many titles including Pastor, brother, uncle, Poppa, and Dad, but so many knew him as a loving friend who seemed to always have an encouraging word. Dad was truly a man who knew and loved God, loved his family and always “found a way” to love and help others. You will always be loved dad and truly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will take place June 17, 2021, at Cherokee Memorial Vineyard Chapel at 1pm, Lodi, California. All are welcome.