James Davis Stinson

James Davis Stinson was born September 4, 1930 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Clervie Stinson Sr. and Gertrude Willis Stinson. He is the oldest of twelve children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Orzada Stinson Johnson. Rev. Stinson spent his early years in Chicago where he was drafted into the United States Army in 1952. He did a tour to Korea and Germany and was then transferred to Fort Lewis Washington. He served active duty and in reserve status as a Cook, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He is also a retired construction worker of 30 years. Rev. Stinson married the former Lila Mae Bowman in 1955. They were married for 59 years and to this union four children were born. After the birth of their daughter, the family relocated to Los Angeles, California. While living in California, he continued working as a cook, but later changed his career to construction. During the family’s eight years in California, Rev. Stinson secured his employment in the construction field; becoming a member in the local union. In addition, the Stinsons added two sons to the family. Rev. Stinson’s calling from God to the ministry came in 1964. He was a member and usher of the Second Baptist Church in Monrovia, California. Through visions appearing in his dreams, he believed God was calling him to preach the Gospel. He accepted the calling and relocated his family to Washington State. After arriving in Washington, another son was added to the family. Rev. Stinson united with St. John Baptist Church where he became one of Rev. J.A. Boles “sons of ministry.” He later moved his membership to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where the late Rev. Raymond Cain ordained and issued his certificate of license in the ministry in December 1965. In April 1967, eighteen Christians came together to organize a new church. Rev. James Stinson was called to be the Pastor. This church was given the name Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. During his 42 years of service, he licensed and ordained ministers and deacons as well as participated in organizing other churches. He served one term as the Vice President of the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance as well as 16 years as their Treasurer. Pastor Stinson’s zeal and drive to preach and teach the gospel was something he did with passion and dedication. Because of his love for people he would go throughout the community witnessing and inviting anyone that wasn’t a member of a church to join Galilee. If they did not have a ride, he would be there to pick them up. For several years he used his personal cars as transportation for the church. His main objective was always to win souls for Christ by telling everyone “God is love and He will forgive you of your sins.” Those remaining to celebrate his life are his devoted and loving wife, Lila Mae Stinson; children Barbara (Michael) Walker of Tacoma, Washington; Donald (Erahn) Stinson of Phoenix, Arizona; Michael Stinson and Antonio Stinson of Tacoma, Washington; Siblings Clarice Milloy of Los Angeles, California; Rev. Roger (Patsy) Stinson Sr. of Shreveport, Louisiana; Louise Pouncy of Duarte, California; Clervie Stinson Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana; Eunice Wilson of Charleston, South Carolina; Wanda Williams of Oakland, California; Larry (Sharon) Hall of Dallas, Texas; Calvin (Robbie) Hall of Houston, Texas; Rickey (Cheryl) Hall of Shreveport, Louisiana; Patsy (Eric) Hall of Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition he leaves 13 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and a host of other relatives. Viewing 5:00 to 8:00PM Thursday 4/2 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 5802 South Puget Sound Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98409. Funeral Service to be held 11:00AM Friday 4/3 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1211 S I St., Tacoma, WA 98405. Graveside to follow at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Road W., University Place, WA 98467. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial 253-566-1008.