James Murry Isaacs

James Murry Isaacs, age 87, peacefully left this earthly plane surrounded by family on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in Bakersfield, California. Born February 8, 1937, in Los Angeles, California to Roy and Rosie Lee Isaacs, he was the youngest of five children. James embraced his faith in Christ from a young age and quickly fell in love with music, specifically gracefully playing the organ. James’ journey through life was full of passion and dedication evidenced daily from his sense of humor, jovial smile, and kind disposition.

James graduated from Thomas Jefferson Senior High School in Los Angeles, California in 1955. After high school, he quickly enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was enlisted as an Airman First Class. James was Honorably discharged in 1958 after two years, 11 months, and nine days of service. Upon discharge, he opened a small trucking business alongside his adopted godfather “Candy” (Australia Carr). He also worked for the US Postal Service until he settled into his long-term career with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) where he worked up the ranks from Bus Driver, Driver Trainer, Supervisor, and lastly Driver Investigator. James retired from LAUSD after 20+ years of service and entered the ministry full time after graduating from Seminary. Throughout his more than 40 years in the ministry, James pastored five churches from California to Indiana as follows: Family Mennonite Church (CA), Calvary Christian Fellowship (CA), Sunnyside Mennonite Church (IN), Fellowship of Hope (IN), and Community Church of the Brethren (CA). Additionally, during his tenure in the ministry, he served as a minister for the Southern California Churches and was a moderator for the California and Arizona Churches through the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. Simultaneously, he served on the church general board. While in Indiana, he became the overseer of the African American churches in the Indiana-Michigan Conference.

James’ heart for service often extended further than the pulpit as he was always willing to minister and pray with and for those whether they attended church or not. He has baptized many, served as an officiant to countless weddings, dedicated young children, and was an officiant to funeral services/memorial services for those without a dedicated church home. He always did these things willingly and with a smile. His compassion and dedication to live a Christ centered life was a true reflection to his devotion to God’s Word.

In February of 1970, James met the love of his life, Brenda Cecille Bankston from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. They were engaged to be married in May of 1970 and wed on July 31, 1970. Together, they lived a life in service and dedication to the Lord and shared a great love of music and ministry for 54 years. James and Brenda raised three children, Kevin Isaacs (Austin, TX), Tiphanie Hernandez (Bakersfield, CA), and Johannah Isaacs (Bakersfield, CA). They also fostered several children when residing in Goshen, Indiana.

James was called home to be with the Lord on November 14, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Rosie Lee Isaacs, his siblings, Roy Jr., John Charles, Paul Lawrence, and Rosetta. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 54 years, Brenda Isaacs, his son Kevin (wife, Cleola Isaacs), his daughters, Tiphanie (husband, Jeremie Wells), Johannah, and his grandchildren, Jelani Ramdeen-Isaacs, Jayden Isaacs-Crawford, Jael Wells, and Joelle Wurmnest. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.