James Murry Isaacs, 87, of Bakersfield, Calif., died Nov. 14, 2024. He was born Feb. 8, 1937, in Los Angeles to Roy and Rosie Lee Isaacs.
He embraced his faith in Christ at a young age. He loved music and praised God through it by playing the piano and organ. While maintaining his extensive involvement with his church, he settled into his long-term career with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
He met his beloved wife, Brenda Cecille Bankston, from Pine Bluff, Ark., at a prayer meeting. They were married in 1970. Retiring from LAUSD after 20-plus years of service, he entered the ministry full time and spent more than 40 years in ministerial service. This was with the loving and spiritually gifted support of Brenda. Together, they lived a life in service and dedication to the Lord and shared a great love of music and ministry for 54 years.
James pastored five Anabaptist churches — three in California: Family Mennonite in Los Angeles, Calvary Christian Fellowship Church and School in Inglewood and Bakersfield Community Church of the Brethren; and two in Indiana: Sunnyside Mennonite Church and Fellowship of Hope Mennonite Church, both in Elkhart.
He served as a minister for the Southern California churches, was a moderator for the California and Arizona churches through Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference, served on the church general board and was the overseer of the African American churches in Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda; son Kevin (Cleola) of Austin, Texas; daughters Tiphanie (Jeremie Wells) of Bakersfield and Johannah of Bakersfield; and four grandchildren.
