James Edward Petty Sr.

James E. Petty, Sr. was born on June 2, 1944, to the late Hardy Nelson Petty and Mary
Ella Petty in Banks, Mississippi. His parents and one sister, Jacqueline Petty, preceded
him in death.
James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mercy Seat Baptist Church. He
became a member of Friendly Missionary Baptist Church where he was ordained as a
Deacon. He also served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, and an officer of the church
along with being a leader in the food ministry. James later joined Jerusalem Missionary
Baptist Church where he served faithfully until his health began to fail.
James was educated in the Saint Louis Public School system where he attended Hadley
Technical School and graduated from Vashon High School. He furthered his education at
Sun Grove Bible College where he obtained his Associate of Science in Biblical Study.
James united in holy matrimony on November 24, 1967, to Carolyn Rodgers. To this
union, two children were born, Keith and James Jr.
Throughout the years, James was employed by 905, Emerson Electric, Villa Duchesne,
and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
James loved studying the word of God. He was an excellent cook who loved to
experiment with various foods and share his creations with others. James was very civic-
minded and served as an alderman in Velda City, MO. He was an outstanding volunteer at
the Velda City Community Center where he was involved with youth activities. James
loved to fish and was never afraid to try new things. He would always open his home to
anyone who needed a meal or a place to stay.
On Saturday, February 26, 2022, surrounded by family, God called his child home.
James leaves to cherish his loving memory: Carolyn Petty, his wife of 54 years; two sons,
Keith and James, Jr. (Charrell); Three Grandchildren, Ashton (Jae), Jaylon, and Payton;
Four Great-Grandchildren; Brothers, Robert “Bobby” Petty of MO, Pastor Larry
(Lorraine) Davidson, and Reginald Davidson, both of IN, Ricardo (Patricia) Davidson of
MD, and Pastor Carlos (ShaCarla) Petty of MS; Sisters, Clareece (William) Hughes, and
Josephine Petty, both of MO, Barbara (James) Turner and Arear (Avery) Minor of IN; and
a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

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