James David Cecil

James David Cecil stepped into the loving arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior on February 7, 2026. Jim was born on September 12, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan. His family moved to Phoenix, AZ when he was 5 years old. Their favorite place to vacation as a family was in Jackson, WY in the Colter Bay area of the Grand Teton National Park. Jim graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix in 1970. Shortly after graduation he became employed by the FBI in their fingerprint division. Less than a year later he was drafted into the army. He served as an MP before earning a position as an instructor at the 7th Army NCO Academy in Bad Tolz, Germany for 3 years. In 1973 Jim married, soon after he and his wife had their two daughters, Tammy and Teri. He served 8 years in the Army and achieved the rank of Sgt. (E5). During his service he earned the Good Conduct Medal, as well as the Army Commendation Medal. Upon completion of his military service Jim and his family moved to Safford, AZ.

Jim began working for the Arizona Department of Corrections at Fort Grant prison in 1983. Over the next 22 years he worked his way up from Correctional Officer to Acting Assistant Deputy Warden at the Winslow prison. In 1995 he took a one year sabbatical to attend Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, TX where he majored in Jewish Studies. He and his wife Sara were married on June 16, 1996. Soon after, Nicole was born. Jim adopted Christoper, Sara’s son, just after his 5th birthday in 1997. Jim earned his private pilot license in 2003. Jim and Sara were active members of the Civil Air Patrol in Flagstaff, AZ. Jim and Sara had the opportunity to travel to Israel in 2010, fulfilling Jim’s long time dream to be baptised in the Jordan River.

Jim retired from the Department of Corrections in 2005 and then held a variety of positions at Flagstaff Medical Center for about 14 years. In 2019, after 23 years in Flagstaff, Jim and Sara moved to Surprise, AZ. Since then, Jim enjoyed a full retirement which allowed him to focus his time spent with his family, whom he always put first above himself and absolutely adored.

One of Jim's favorite daily activities was his time spent every morning at McDonald’s, drinking what he called the best tasting coffee out there. While drinking his favorite beverage, more coffee, he would study the Bible, and the Torah, while planning his next Bible lesson. He frequently was a guest teacher at Christ Embassy Church. He loved traveling with all of his family and enjoyed many road trips to many different states. Overall, Jim lived a rich, and full life with countless other adventures. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his dad James Cecil, and his mom Helen (Vencek) Cecil, as well as his brother Bruce Cecil, and his grandson Nathan Cecil.

He is survived by his wife Sara (McWilliams) Cecil, and children Tammy Miller (Chris), Teri Cecil-Hamm (Brad), Christopher Cecil (Taylor Morron), and Nicole Cecil. Jim is also survived by his older sister Natalie Hassell (Pat), his twin sister Deanne Miller, as well as 5 grandchildren, Chris, Alicia, Amanda, KJ, and Kailyn, two great grandsons, Orion and Adrian, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of Jim’s favorite organizations.

Aicardi Syndrome Foundation- https://aicardisyndromefoundation.org/donate/

Christians United for Israel-https://secure.cufi.org/donate2026