MOUNT VERNON – James R. Mayes, 84, of Mount Vernon, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, surrounded by his family in Mount Vernon. He was born on Sept. 9, 1936, in Hamilton to Burton and Katie (Binkley) Mayes.
Jim married Mary Lou Baker-Gibbs on June 10, 1956. He was a graduate of Nazarene Bible College in Colorado in 1971. Jim served as a pastor in Festus, Missouri; then in Waterford, Willard and Killbuck, Ohio. He retired as a pastor after thirty years but continued to work for local churches.
Jim loved fellowship, mission work, coffee with friends, Kiwanis, being involved with the community, and always bringing joy with his sense of humor. He also loved watching the Cincinnati Reds and PGA golf. Everything Jim did daily revolved around honoring his family and Jesus Christ.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary Lou Mayes; children, Susanne (Eugene) Bell and Robin (Bradley) Stacy; grandchildren, Joshua, Benjamin, Joseph, John-Mark, Amy, Nic, Jordan, Aaron and Marah; many great-grandchildren; brother, Joe (Carolyn) Mayes; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jim C. Mayes; two great-grandchildren; son-in-law, the Rev. Joe Pittenger; and six siblings.
Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Roberts Funeral Home-Mount Vernon Chapel. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home with Pastor Jack Christner officiating. The service will also stream on Facebook Live (search “James Mayes Funeral” on Facebook). Burial will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.
