James Aubrey Starkes

Dr. James A. Starkes, former pastor, statesman, and philanthropic leader passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017 in Richardson, TX. Dr. Starkes was known throughout Athens, Dallas, the State of Texas, the United States and worldwide through missions projects as simply, “The Preacher.” Pastor Starkes’ influence reached far beyond his congregation. He found himself not only ministering in his local community but also in the halls of Congress and the White House. Blessed with a gregarious nature, Pastor Starkes centered his ministry on helping people realize their potential and inspiring them to love and serve one another. The legacy of his mission is evident in the lives he touched.

Dr. Starkes founded, built and pastored the Jupiter Road Baptist Church in Garland, TX for more than 30 years. He, as pastor of Jupiter Road Baptist, assumed leadership of Dallas Rescue Mission leading to the founding of Dallas Life Foundation, a shelter for the homeless and displaced. At that time, the largest homeless shelter in the country, Dallas Life provided over 1500 meals daily and shelter to over 1,000 men, women, boys and girls per night. Displaced men and women not only found food and shelter at Dallas Life, they found love, respect, hope, and a renewed purpose for life. Dr. Starkes served on President Reagan’s Council for the Homeless. He was also influential in the birth of the DMN Charities. Dallas Life continues to be a leader in the community serving our homeless population. ‘The Preacher’ also founded the Toler Children’s Home in Sachse, TX, a sanctuary for troubled and abused children.

Dr. Starkes was also an avid runner, running 3-5 miles a day even into his 80’s. He was a ‘test’ runner for Dr. Kenneth Cooper of the Cooper Aerobic Center in the 60’s.

His main life passions were his ministry, his family, and his Lord. Dr. Starkes was the recipient of countless awards and accolades during his lifetime, but none meant more to him than those that came from his wife of 65 years Wanelle Starkes.

Dr. Starkes is preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Oma Starkes and brothers Buster L. and Billy G. Starkes. He is survived by his wife, Wanelle Starkes of Dallas, daughters Laurelle Shirley and Lesa Russo of Dallas and Leslie Darby of Kilgore. He was fortunate to love 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and their extended families. The members of his loving congregation at Jupiter Road Baptist Church were loved as family.

The memorial service for “Preacher” will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21 at Iglesia Alfa y Omega (The former Jupiter Road Baptist Church) at 2422 N. Jupiter Road, Garland, TX.

In lieu of flowers the Starkes family has requested that donations be made to Dallas Life. Information can be found at www.dallaslife.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Sparkman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Richardson, TX.