James Michael Honea

Obituary for Michael Honea

Rev. James Michael Honea of Decatur, GA was called home by the Lord on Sunday August 10, 2025. Michael was born on Thursday October 8, 1959 to James and Ann Honea. They were a close-knit, dedicated family and all 3 participated in running the H&B store that was a staple in the community for decades. Mike was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia. His educational and professional exploits would take him to the roof of the White House and a private box at Madison Square Garden. Mike's humor and wit made him a hit. He could make everyone (but the store manager) laugh when he and his closest friend dressed up a pig and pushed it in a cart through the Athens Kroger. He was equally at home helping his mother and the reigning Miss Georgia hunt on their hands and knees for a lost piece of jewelry as he was enjoying a piece of greasy pizza with one of the richest ladies in Manhattan. The former Mrs. Rodney Dangerfield thought enough of him to prank him in front of his friends visiting him in New York, and the poor of Scottdale knew him well enough to ask for help when they were in need. He was insulted by Jesse Jackson (we have the mug to prove it) and was once trusted to entertain the beautiful daughter of the world's most prolific arms dealer.

In business, Mike rose quickly to the management of his Wall Street firm. Back in Georgia, he served as the executive director of both the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) and the Georgia Chiropractic Association. He was known for his ability to work with both Democrats and Republicans (an uncommon skill) and when his health forced his retirement, he was honored for his years of excellent leadership and dedication while battling cancer and other ailments.

While he lived a life that could easily be blockbuster movie, his lasting legacy will be his work in the ministry. Mike found salvation and joined Corinth Baptist Church of Dekalb County (Scottdale, Ga) ; he was a member at his death. It was often remarked by the brothers and sisters of the church that his knowledge of the Bible and wisdom with the Lord seemed to grow at an amazing pace. Mike was called to carry the Word and he enrolled at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained on March 15th, 1998 and served as the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Oxford, GA. He loved serving his Lord and his congregation. His booming bass voice could deliver thunder from the pulpit (and the choir), but his smile and his wit always reminded his parishioners that they were loved not only by him, but the God that sent him. He was unafraid to be unorthodox in his delivery. He once carved a pumpkin during a sermon at Mt. Zion. He instructed everyone to keep quiet at Corinth while the piano played and examine their relationship with the Lord. At the funeral of a family member he abandoned the traditional texts of comfort and preached salvation; a young attendant made her proclamation of faith in the parking lot before they could head to the cemetery. In one of his final sermons, he proclaimed his new Levolor Outlook. He was opening up the blinds to see the sun (Son). Looking out the window at all the opportunity for God to bless instead of dwelling in the dark. Though he struggled with illness and even poverty, he never waivered in his desire to lead others to the Lord. He proclaimed to all that would listen: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phillipians 4:13).

A graveside memorial will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, GA at a later date. Rev. Jason Broadnax presiding.