Deacon James Thomas Elam

ELAM, Mr. James - Age 79, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at McLaren. Family hour 10:00 AM, Saturday January 24, 2026, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 2115 Coldwater Rd., Flint, Michigan with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Rev. Dr. Michael Pettigrew, Host Pastor. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Road. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Saturday. Mr. Elam will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday, with family present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to receive friends. Deacon James T. Elam was born on December 18, 1946, in Humboldt, Tennessee, the son of Robert Lee Elam Sr. and Edna McCurry. At a young age Deacon James T. Elam was a regular attendee of Sunday school. Deacon James T. Elam greatest joy as a child was having dinner with the family and saying, “Jesus Wept”. Deacon Elam’s family relocated to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois where he attended Urbana Jr. and Urbana Sr. Schools. He discovered a passion for softball and was interested in playing professionally. He had the prettiest hook slide as some would say. Deacon Élam’s gifts exploded in Sunday School, teaching Bible Class, ministering at nursing homes, leading roles in acting,” From Rags to Riches”, going fishing, restoring old golf carts, loved having rummage sales and telling jokes. He was an impeccable dresser. His favorite sayings was “Oh My God” “Hold Up”, “Pardon Me” Deacon James T. Elam moved to Racine, Wisconsin where he was hired as a forklift driver at Case Company as CNH. He retired in the year of 2000 with 38 years of service. He began driving school buses for Durham School Services. Deacon Elam confessed, in Jesus Christ and united with The New Omega M. B. Church in Racine, Wisconsin under the leadership of Pastor Rev. Fred Lee Richmond Sr., where he served faithfully for more than 20 years in multiple ministries. On January 26, 1992, he received his Certificate of Ordination. Moreover, God closed the door and opened another at The Greater Mt. Eagle MB Church Racine, WI under the leadership of Pastor Keith Evans where he continued to be faithful as a Deacon in different ministries. Wherefore, in the year 2005, Deacon James T. Elam and Ms. Cynthia F. Smith were united in Holy Matrimony. While being a member of True Light Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon James T. Elam was the Chairman of the Deacon Board, President of the Golden Voices, Mission and Sunday School Teacher. He was in the Male Chorus and ministered at Bentley Manor Home. Deacon James T. Elam was devoted to reading, studying the Bible and praying. He also enjoyed reconditioning his personal school bus to be driven in the Back to the Bricks, Woodward cruise and the Juneteenth parade every year. Deacon James T. Elam was employed by the Clio Area Schools Transportation for 8 years. He loved his job, bus riders and everyone that he came in contact with. When that door opened, he was always looking for that opportunity to mention the word of God to someone. He never met a stranger. He loved the Lord, and the Word of God. Deacon James T. Elam leaves to cherish memories: Wife of 20 years, Cynthia F. Elam; Sons: Keith Elam, Columbus, GA, Val Seward, Racine, WI, James T. Jr (Regina) Elam, Vine Grove, KY, Jacques (Jackie) Thomas, Colorado Springs, Co, Chris Manley, Atlanta, GA, Andre Elam, Racine, WI; Daughters, Nichole (Mike) Wagner, Racine, WI, Cicely Elam, Racine, WI, Grandchildren; Eva Elam, Brienna Moore, Kendra Levels, Quinten Seward, Dre Seward, Janaye Elam, Raven Elam, Jacques Thomas ll, Chetorie Hardrick, Jahniqua Thomas, Cheri Coates, Telisha Thomas, Jackson Trujillo, Jordyn Trujillo, Chris Manley Jr., Sydney Manley, Jalyn Harris, Star Stevens, Camron Elam, Shakayla Elam, Avianna Elam, Elisse Elam, Amillo Elam, Denim Hicks, Jace Mayfield, Cai’ryn Mayfield; Brother, Rev. Edward (Dorris) Elam; Sisters, Edna Maxine Brown, Ann Louise Elam, Deborah Ann; 4 sisters-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law; a host of great grandchildren, many loving nieces and nephews; and many friends. Deacon James T. Elam was preceded in death by parents Robert and Edna Elam, brothers Robert Lee Elam Jr., Malcolm Bernard Elam; sister Mary Elizabeth Clark; son, Brian Thomas Jr.; granddaughter, Jerzi Mayfield Well done, thy good and faithful servant God is good!

Deacon James Thomas Elam

December 18, 1946 - January 11, 2026