James Elleson Sanders

Reverend James Elleson Sanders was born on January 16, 1957 in Newport News, Virginia to Reverend Robert and Clara Sanders. He entered into eternity with Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. James was a two-time All American Basketball honoree and graduate of Timmonsville High School in Timmonsville South Carolina. James served over ten meritorious years in the United States Army. He was in the Special Forces Division while completing two tours in Korea and one in Panama. Post military, James graduated with a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. James and Jeri pursued their passion for Jesus while attending Sierra Pacific Bible College in Sand Jose, California and graduated in 1995. after sixteen fulfilling years James ended his career with Abbott Laboratories and Hospital Pharmaceutical Company. Thereafter, a consuming call to serve and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ led them to Atwater, California. And in February of 2008 they were ordained by Apostle Calvin Cook Jr., of Golden Altar Ministries World Outreach Center (GAMWOC) in San Jose, California. The couple served as itinerant ministers in the North Bay, South Bay and Central Valley of California. In November of 2011 and after three years of volunteering, James was installed as the Senior Chaplain of the Merced County Jail Ministry. He presided over the inmates at the Merced County Downtown Jail along with adults and juveniles at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility campus. Many inmates committed their lives to Christ and became studious disciples through James’ leadership. His successful chaplaincy concluded in January 2019 following an illness.

James was a tenacious Godly man, a loving family leader and faithful friend. He and Jeri shared a thirty-six year marriage that was Christ centered, exceptionally beautiful and fulfilled. Additionally, relatives remain to cherish special memories of James. They include: Stepson Bryan Collins and Fiancé Lisa Weaver; Grandchildren: Ravonne, Kenji, Kingston, Aniyah and Ashani; Sisters in law, Gina Gamble, Debra Sanders and Toni Keels; Nephew: Michael Sanders; Nieces: Nikisha McKinney and Nikey Keels. And numerous other family members and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Sanders family.