James Lavender

1953 - 2024

James Lavender

October 29, 1953 - July 12, 2024

Dr. James (Jim) Lavender passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024 at his home in Gum Spring, VA after receiving hospice care for just over three weeks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Edwin Lavender, Sr. and Mildred Newton Lavender of Columbus, MS; along with his sister, Linda Lavender Duston.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Avis Ann Adams Lavender; his children, Amy Hope Lavender Earle (George), Jim Lavender III; and his three granddaughters, Emily Grace, Allie Joy, and Kinleigh Faith.

Dr. Jim was a 1971 graduate of Stephen D. Lee High School in Columbus, MS. In 1973, he received an Associate's Degree from Wood Jr. College. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University in 1975, a Master of Divinity from Duke University Divinity School in 1978 and a Doctorate of Divinity from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD in 1981.

In the mid 1970's, Jim was cast as comic strip character Lil' Abner by Al Capp Enterprises executives for the amusement facility in Northwest Arkansas. This was a key development in Jim's career in public presence. After his time at "Dogpatch", Jim became the emcee for Tina Turner and other musicians including, the late, great Elvis Presley. From here, Jim went on to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a ringmaster in various circuses.

While enjoying a successful entertainment career, Jim felt the call to the Methodist ministry. He returned home to Columbus and prepared to enter Duke University Divinity School. While studying at Duke, Jim met Avis and they were married Aug. 6, 1977. As he would say, it was "Love at first sight, love at last sight".

Jim's first appointment was in Garysburg, NC, serving a three point charge. After finishing at Duke, he was appointed to the Rocky Mt., VA two point charge. He then became the Associate Pastor at Martinsville United Methodist Church. After two years, Jim was appointed to a vacant lot at the corner of Lauderdale and Gayton Roads in Short Pump, VA to begin a new United Methodist Church. Discovery United Methodist Church began on Easter Sunday, 1984 and for 33 years, Jim Lavender served as the senior pastor.

Upon news that Jim had answered the call to the ministry, friends from the circus world began reaching out to inspire him to do "something different" as he ministered to children. It was here that the Thank God For Kids ministry was born. Beginning as a series of children's sermons at Discovery, adopted animals reached over one million children across the United States for Christ, with the help of Jim, his family, and countless volunteers from Discovery. Among these sermons, Jim illustrated the concept of Peace on Earth by having "Bubba" the lion and "Lucky" the lamb lie down together.

Upon Jim's retirement in 2016, "Bubba" continued to serve the community of Louisa County as the live mascot of the Louisa High School Lions at the request of the late Coach Mark Fischer. In 2018, Jim was asked to serve Corinth Methodist Church in Goochland County where he served for five years. His final appointment was made September of 2023 to serve Macedonia Methodist Church in Louisa County. Jim preached his final sermon on June 2, 2024, but continued his support and guidance of the ministry at Macedonia until his death on July 12, 2024.

Across a storybook lifetime, "Dr. Jim" always showed a love of kids and became a "big friend to little people" wherever he went. Jim remained faithful to his Call, loved his family and spread the Love of Christ to all he touched.

Visitation for friends and family will be held Thursday, July 18, from 2 to 4 p.m and 6 to 8 p.m. at Bennett's Funeral Home (11020 W. Broad St., Glen Allen, VA). Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 19 at Discovery United Methodist Church, 13000 Gayton Road, Henrico, VA. Interment will follow at Macedonia Global Methodist Church at 3 pm. (17 Byrd Mill Rd., Louisa, VA).

Bennett Funeral Home

11020 W. Broad St. Glen Allen, VA 23060