James Shelby

Elder James Shelby, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at approximately 1:00 a.m. at home surrounded by his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Hazel Foster. Elder Shelby was born in Montrose, Mississippi on November 26, 1926. He received Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Holy Hill C.O.G.I.C. under the pastorage of Elder D.R. Curry. Elder Shelby was united in Holy Matrimony with Mother Retha Shelby in Morton, Mississippi with their sons, Troy Lott and Charles Foster. Elder and Mother Shelby, and their sons moved to Lima, Ohio in circa 1955. They joined Mt. Olivet C.O.G.I.C. in Lima, Ohio and served there for many years under Pastor Elijha Webster. In obedience to the Lords call, Elder and Mother Shelby founded St. Luke C.O.G.I.C. in Lima, Ohio in circa 1980. Many souls were saved under their leadership. Elder Shelby emerged through the ranks as brother, deacon, Elder and Pastor. He and his wife served faithfully in feeding and receiving traveling pastors, evangelists and missionaries in their home. They were known for their compassionate expression of serving, counseling, and helping the saints as well as those in the city of Lima, excluding none. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Hazel Foster; daughter-in-law, Susan K. Lott; brother, Eddie Shelby; nieces, Lynette Enoch of New York and Sammia Marquez of Nevada; his grandchildren, Michelle, Charlene, Coretta and Priscilla Foster; Stanley, Lisa, Troy, Corey and Kendel Lott; his great grandchildren; and many spiritual sons and daughters, and a host of other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Mother Retha Shelby; his parents, Andrew and Clementine Shelby; his son, Troy Lott; brothers, Harvey, Leroy, Joe, and James Howard; his sisters, Willie Pearl, Annie Pearl, Lena Mae, Marie and Elnori; and his god-parents Charlie and Zula Jones. Although he is dearly missed by his loved ones, celebration takes place because he is at peace with his Heavenly Father. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Mount Olivet Church of God in Christ, 920 S Euclid Ave, Dayton, OH 45417 with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will begin at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 in Dayton National Cemetery. Final arrangements entrusted to the care of the Jerry W. Kinley Funeral Home.