James Grubbs Obituary

April 12, 1935 - May 11, 2015 April 12, 1935 - May 11, 2015 Dr. James David Grubbs, 80, of Laguna Beach passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2015, with his beloved wife of 29 years, Melinda by his side. David was born April 12, 1935 in Tallahassee, Florida to J.D. and Inez Grubbs. After winning a state wide speech contest at Winona Lake Indiana in 1951, he was personally commissioned into the ministry by Billy Graham that day. He chose to turn down a fully funded scholarship to Purdue Uni-versity's Pre Law Program to attend his denominations university. David graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the university. An ordained minister for over 50 years, he served as Senior Pastor of the First Church of God in Kingsport, Tennessee for 13 years, then Senior Pastor of Salem Church of God in Dayton, Ohio for 15 years. In 1990 he founded David Grubbs and Associates, a consulting and fundraising firm specializing in raising major gifts for churches, schools, universities, and civic organizations. David had a passion to help others realize their dreams. David was preceded in death by his sister, Mable Prather. He is survived by his wife, Melinda, five sons: Marty Grubbs (Kim) of Oklahoma City, OK; Joel Grubbs (Julie) of Oklahoma City, OK; Ben Sumner of Port Charlotte, FL; George Sumner (Lauren) of Laguna Beach, Curt Sumner (Tiffany) of Costa Mesa, and daughter Corrie Sumner Johnson (Jamie) of Santa Ana. David adored his large family which included eleven grandchildren, Micah and Abigail Johnson, Ford and Kennedy Sumner, Lana Micke, Josh, Sydney & Shelby Grubbs, Cole Grubbs, Tyler Grubbs (Brittany), Kristin Grubbs-Turner (Harrison); great grandson Teagan James Grubbs; two brothers, Larry Grubbs (Beverly) of Indianapolis, Dale Grubbs (Joyce) of Anderson, IN; numerous treasured cousins, nieces and nephews. David will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in support of the research of Sumanta Pal, M.D. at City of Hope. Please send donations to: City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 and mark "David Grubbs" in the memo section of the check. His services will be on June 1, at 11:00 am at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach.

Published by Los Angeles Times from May 15 to May 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Grubbs

Not sure what to say?





14 Entries

I am amazed how many times Rev. Grubbs comes to my heart and mind! I am reading the book of John again because he also urged me to read this! He was definitely one of the most influential people in my life!

Judy Hart

Friend

May 9, 2019

We will miss you David. You were a great mentor. Peace.

Stephen Christensen

June 1, 2015

Mindy,

I send my condolences to you and know that David touched many lives and devoted his life to the Lord and his family.

Bonnie Grimes

May 30, 2015

judy blair hart

May 29, 2015

Reverend Grubbs influenced my life in ways no one ever has. I was in junior high when I met him. He became a father, mentor in every way. This was in Kingsport Tennessee in the early 60's. I am saddened by his passing but I will forever cherish the wonderful memories.

May 29, 2015

Romans 14:7-9 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Benjamin Sumner

May 20, 2015

David was our pastor and friend for many years at First Church of God in Kingsport, TN. He was truly a man of God and many in Kingsport cried when he left. He performed our marriage ceremony 48 years ago and through his preaching my husband was saved just days before he shipped out to Vietnam. Our condolences to his family. We know we will see him soon, for there is no doubt that he sits at the Fathers right hand.

Bob and Carolyn Jarvis

May 20, 2015

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. I pray that Almighty God provide peace and strength as you endure this very difficult time.

Yvette Cromwell

May 18, 2015

He was truly an amazing man. He was my Grandfather. He was my role model and still is. I'm truly going to miss him

Josh Grubbs

May 18, 2015

They broke the mold with you David. You where the best father a man could ask for. Thanks for everything that you have done for me and my family. I will grieve you every day. It is a huge loss for our family, but we know you are out of pain and in your mansion in heaven.

Curt Sumner

May 18, 2015

DAVID WAS A GREAT PASTOR AND PREACHER AND MY MENTOR. WE LOVED AND WILL MISS HIM.

RON LOWE

May 16, 2015

David will be missed by the Crawfordsville High School Class of 1953. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Ellen Gooden Rogers

May 16, 2015

WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS YOU WALK THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

JIM AND PAT LADD

May 15, 2015

David spoke at a state youth convention in Kansas in 1970 and God used him to clarify my calling to pastoral ministry. I have always appreciated his straightforward, yet loving way of caring for people. Well done, David. He will be missed. We are praying for for Melinda and family.

David Winn

May 15, 2015

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in James Grubbs's name

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Grubbs's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more