Pastor James A. London
Posted By Lake Shore Funeral Home On May 27, 2014 @ 8:42 pm In Obituaries | 34 Comments
James A. “Mookie” London, 66, of Robinson, pastor of Willow Grove Baptist Church, passed away Monday, May 26th at a local hospice facility.
Funeral services: 11AM Saturday, May 31st at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 9997 S. 3rd St. Rd. in Downsville with Dr. T. E. Malone as Eulogist and Rev. Roosevelt Fields as Officiant. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Friday, May 30th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
James Andrew Garfield “Mookie” London was born March 30, 1948 in Asa, Texas, to the late Richard London Sr. and Edna Mae Tucker. Mookie was raised on “The Tucker Bottom” by his grandparents the late Daunishieand Beatrice Tucker. He attended Downsville schools and then was transferred to Carver where he graduated in 1966. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force in 1967 where he served for four years. After basic training, he came back to marry the love of his life whom he had known and pursued for many years, Margie Ann Horne on December 1, 1967.
He accepted Christ in August of 1961 during a day time revival at the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. He later accepted his calling into the ministry in October of 1982. In March of 1984, he accepted the duties as Pastor of Willow Grove Baptist Church where he served for 30 years.
We all knew James was an entrepreneur ranging from: packing water out of the basement of a laundromat while residing in Denver, realtor, owner of a car lot, insurance salesman, roofer, comedian, mentor, counselor and farmer/ rancher. He was also the first black to have a septic license in McLennan County. One of his life- long dreams was to be on the radio to spread God’s word. He was given the opportunity to co-host on KRZI with Rev. Joe Montogomery every Sunday morning spreading and teaching God’s word. He was on the radio for several years, until his health began to decline.
James was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Tucker; brother, Booker T. Montgomery; and devoted father and mother-in-law, Lee and Verneta Horne.
James A. is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Margie London; his two wonderful daughters Michele London McNeil (Kenneth) of Ft. Stewart, Georgia; and Jennifer London Parker (Michael) of Hewitt; a son, Derrick Thomas of Seattle, Washington; four grandchildren whom he adored, Donovan Haynes, Makayla and Makenzie Parker and Kamryn Ann McNeil; a devoted brother and sister-in law that never left his side during his illness, Bobby and Bernice Stevenson; six sisters, Patricia London Phillips (McGlover) of Chino, California, Gwendolyn Diane Watford, Wanda Jean Montgomery, Valreece Tucker, Eddie LaVerne Tucker and Essie Barnes all of Waco; two brothers Richard London Jr. of Waco and Ivan Montgomery of Dallas, Texas; brothers-in law, Terrell Lee Horne, Willie James Horne (Janie), and Cecil Horne (Marie) all of Waco; a devoted cousin, Louise Wells who called every day to see how her baby was doing; a cousin who was like a sister, Estella Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Words cannot express the appreciation and love he had for his devoted workers, whom he loved like sons, Keith Taylor, Clifford Horne, Jody Glass and Ben Clawson.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Central Texas Urology, Texas Oncology, the nursing staff at Providence Medical Center, Providence Hospice Place, Drs. Jason Poteet and Carl Chakmakjian, Lone Star Steakhouse, Community Bank and American Bank.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com/Obituaries.
Place of Service: Mt. Olive Baptist Church , 9997 S. 3rd St.; Waco, TTX 76706
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Condolences for the family of “Pastor James A. London”
My heart is joyful believing that Pastor has his spring in his step and that contagious smile back again. My selfish heart on the hand, is heavy and sad that he has departed this earthly journey, and I will miss him so very much. I will continue my thoughts and prayers in your entire families’ lives for strength and comfort, and also the freedom to mourn his absence on this earth. He fought such an absolute and courageous fight in faith and has touched so many countless lives through his love & guidance. I love you all. Cindy
To to London family: May you find comfort in knowing that God makes no mistakes. We loved him, but God loved him more. My prayers will continue to go forth for you today and in the days to come. Love you little cousin (Margie) The Cross Family!!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with the London family!
To the London family, during this time of great sorrow we express our deepest sympathy. Although we on met pastor London once our relationship was very profound and extended beyond what words could express. We believe pastor London has been called home for a great reward ceremony, where the “Crown of Righteousness” will be conferred upon him for a job well done by a good and faithful servant.
We Love You,
Pastor Hubert & Lady Johnnie Quiller
Restoration Worship Center
Richmond Hill, Georgia
My condolences and prayers are with your family at this time of deep sorrow all of you have my deep sympathy . John 5:28,29.
My prayers and thoughts are with my Aunt Margie London and my two beautiful cousins Michelle and Jennifer London. I will miss my Uncle London very much. I remembered talking to him back before he and my Aunt Margie got married. RIP in Peace Uncle.
Waco has lost a good man and I have lost a good friend. A friend that would stop by City Hall just to check on “His City Attorney” and tell me “Keep doing what you are doing up here with the City and with those kids!” RIP friend thanks for the unwavering support. I will miss you. – Art
Maggie and I wanted you to know you are all in our prayers! I can not think of Rev. London without smiling! That will be his legacy for me! I don’t know of anyone that loved life and his family more than Rev. London! He left enough memories and taught enough lessons to last a lifetime! May God bless each of you!
Dear London and Willow Grove Baptist Church Family,
You are all in our prayers. Rev. London served the Lord faithfully, especially as pastor of Willow Grove Baptist Church. His passing will leave a huge void in the Speegleville community. He will be dearly missed, but we all rejoice in the fact that he is with his Lord in heaven. Rev. London’s life is a great testimony to the faithfulness of God. Speegleville Baptist Church will continue to lift up the London family and our brothers and sisters at Willow Grove Baptist Church.
Joe Bailey, Pastor
Speegleville Baptist Church
Our “Honorary” classmate of the class of ’67 will be missed. Our prayer is that our Lord wrap his beloved family in His bosom and cover them with His Perfect Peace. We pause to thank God for allowing us the opportunity to know and love the Rev. James (Andrew Garfield) London. We have all at one time or another been comforted by his kind words, his prayers, his sermons and his laughter. Life as we know it will never be the same, but we can rest assured that he at peace and smiling.
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended through love and prayers to Margie, Michelle and Jennifer. We will surely miss this wonderful masterpiece that God created in His image in the name of James A. London as we called him “Mookie”. We will miss him and he will be missed immensely but the legacy of his life will live on forever and ever in the lives of the many, many people that he touched with his kindness of just giving of himself. May God bless this family and keep them in perfect peace in the days to come with strength, comfort and healing.
To the London Family I will keep you all in my prayers. Rev. London was more than a Pastor to me, He was also my friend. I have known him since we were in the sixth grade. My Father on His dying bed reccommended Rev. London to be the Pastor of the Willow Grove Baptist Church and I am so glad that He did. He has been like a Father to my Daughters and they love Him like a Father. He was truly a man of God. and nobody was a stranger to him regardless of Race. From all of the Green Family, we love you.
I know the Angles in Heaven rejoiced on the notice of his arrival. To his love ones God makes no mistakes and he takes the most beautiful of all flowers. I’m asking that you follow his teachings of his love for Christ, because we all must past this way. Keep your hands in God hands and he will lead you through this time of your loss. My hear is heavy at this point, to his wife and children look toward this hills from which come our help for all our help comes from the Lord.Will miss you Brother in law .R I P
We are saddened to hear the news about the passing of Pastor London. He was always so nice to us and would always welcome us with open arms to his church and church functions. He will be missed greatly.
Uncle Mookie I will miss you. But we will meet again. R I P ( love Squeeky)
Uncle Mookie, I tried to contact you, but God had other plans for you. I will miss you R I P. You will never be forgotten ( love always)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. He was truly a man of God and he will be missed. God will get you through this time of your life.
Our Deepest Sympathies to the London Family. Reverend London was a wonderful inspiration to us all and gave so much of his time and faith to the Willow Grove Church and Community and were all so very blessed to have him as our Pastor Friend and Family of our church. God Bless him and his loving family.
Margie
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family, during your time of lost of your beloved Bro.James. The wonderful memories you have of him in your hearts will help you and he will live on in your hearts. We’ll remember he winning smile.and personality. With prayers,love and support of family and friends you will be OK.
London Family,
I worked with James while I worked at the City and he was always such a cheerful soul. I know he will be missed by many.
“You Meant So Much”
You meant so much to all of us
You were special and that’s no lie
You brightened up the darkest day
And the cloudiest sky
Your smile alone warmed hearts
Your laugh was like music to hear
I would give absolutely anything
To have you well and standing near
Not a second passes
When you’re not on our minds
Your love we will never forget
The hurt will ease in time
Many tears I have seen and cried
They have all poured out like rain
I know that you are happy now
And no longer in any pain.
By Cassie Mitchell
We will miss him dearly. He had such an infectious smile and personality. He could always brightened your day by just being himself. To the London Family, we love you guys. Love, The Dentons.
Pastor: If you could preach to the biggest and smallest of crowds, you did; If you could shout Jesus! you did; If you could love, you did; If you could pray, you did; If you could cry, you did; If you could fill the house with laughter, you did; If you could work, you did; If you could sing, you did; If you could help someone along the way, you did; If you could climb the mountain one step at a time, you did; If you thought you had everlasting life, you will.
We will always cherish the memory of a great pastor and mentor led by God. To Margie and family, the Lord will pick you up and carry you all the way. “Hearts to Hearts,” The McLennan Family
A great honor to know this man in the shot time I knew him. Prayers go out to his wife and Family!
Jimmy and Elaine De Los Santos
China Spring
God called a good man, solider and a friend home. Me and my sisters are truly blessed to have gotten the chance to be part of the Willow Grove family and by that I mean Rev. London has left a mark on our hearts. His kind words and his warm smile will be truly missed but never forgotten. Rest in Heaven love the Whitfield family.
God Bless the London family! Rev James A. was one of A kind he will truly be missed by a lot of people. He was truly a people person. My prayer will be wit you all, keep the faith.
To the London Family, I met James at the hospital as he ministered to my cousin’s family, Garland and Shirley Hill and family. He was such a blessing to us as we waited those days for Garland to go “home” too. His prayers comforted all of us, and yet his sense of humor, helped us all during that time. James preached a beautiful service for Garland, and I know without a doubt, that James and Garland had a wonderful reunion. Bob and I send prayers to your family, because we know that His grace is sufficent in all things. James will be missed. God bless each of each. Bob and Phyllis Bishop
‘The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away – Blessed be the Name of the Lord! Most sincere condolences to the James A. London family, especially Margie. All I can think of about him was his smile and his joy in serving Christ. He was best man at my wedding. I last saw him when he was well, which, I believe, is how the Lord wanted me to remember him. I remember how he would jump and cry in the pulpit when the Spirit of the Lord was all over him. That is how I will remember him, a man of God, who loved his wife and let everybody know it, who supported his family and remained a faithful pastor to the vineyard God gave him. Rest in peace, Rev. London…faithful servant!
Is this Ms. Joan Fields who used to teach religion at Jarvis Christian College?
Our prayers will be continually offered on your behalf, family. I am eternally grateful for having had the privilege to meet and befriend my dear cousin and family after my family and I arrived in Waco in October of 1998. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served along beside him in the Union Baptist District Association. As I was moderator and he was the congress president, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the face of some very difficult challenges that our district faced. I learned much from my brother who was a man of integrity and Christian principles. He did not differ in word and deed. My family is richer and fuller for knowing him. He knew the open secret of being great–giving one’s life in service to the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.
Margie & family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you for strength and comfort in the days ahead. I know James & Garland are having a wonderful reunion as well as many others who were waiting for his arrival. Our family will truly miss him, as he was a part of our family as are all of you.
We Love You.
Margie & Family,
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you for strength & comfort. I know James & Garland had a wonderful reunion as well as many others who were waiting for his arrival. Our family will truly miss him as he was a part of our Family as are all of you.
We Love You.
He will be truly missed. I haven’t visited with him in a few years, but I still remember when he baptized myself and sister in the creek. I could never express how much I am thankful for him being the one to help me give my soul to the Lord. He was even there on my wedding day fifteen years ago. Prayers go out to the entire family. You are loved.
God bless the London and Willow Grove Church family. You all were served by one of God’s best. Thank you all for including Willie and I.
Theo and Willie Bell
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The Prayers and Condolences of my Family and The Mount Zion Church Family are with The London Family and The Willow Grove Church Family. We pray Strength, Comfort, and Healing, as this Mighty Saint of The Kingdom rest in God. Pastor F. D. Linton Jr.